Tonnes of cannabis seized, farms destroyed

MARA: IN a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Tanzanian authorities have seized eight tonnes of dried cannabis and destroyed over 3,000 acres of marijuana farms in Mara Region.

The operation, conducted by the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) in collaboration with security agencies, spanned three weeks and resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects.

DCEA Commissioner General, Aretas Lyimo, described the operation as a “historic large-scale effort” to combat the growing problem of cannabis production and distribution in the region.

The operation targeted farms in the districts of Tarime and Serengeti, focusing on the Masinki and Mara River valleys.

The government’s crackdown on cannabis is motivated by concerns about the drug’s harmful effects on the community.

Authorities have identified a network of foreign financiers who provide capital to farmers in Mara Region, facilitating the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis.

ALSO READ: Five arrested with over 1.8 tonnes of Cannabis

He said they have established that cannabis farming in Mara Region is being financed by people from neighbouring countries, who provide capital to farmers in Tarime and once the cannabis is mature, it is harvested and transported for sale.

To address the issue, the government has issued a three-month ultimatum to farmers involved in cannabis cultivation.

Those who continue to engage in this illegal activity will face further legal action, including the seizure of their property.

“We are giving the people of Mara Region three months to stop any involvement in cannabis farming. After this period, we will conduct another large-scale operation to ensure that these areas are repurposed and no longer used for cannabis cultivation,” he said.

Local officials in Mara Region have acknowledged the challenges posed by cannabis farming, particularly in the Mara River valley. They have initiated public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug and to encourage farmers to adopt alternative livelihoods.

On his part, the Tarime District Commissioner, Major Edward Gowele, acknowledged that his district is grappling with the challenge of cannabis farming, particularly in the Mara River valley and that the government has already begun taking strong measures address the problem.

“We have started educating the public about the dangers of cannabis and the losses they may face by engaging in cannabis farming and many have promised to abandon the practice,” said the DC.

An official from the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board in the Mara Catchment area, Mr Mwita Mataro,  who is also a supervisor of water resources in Mara Region, said that the board’s main goal is to ensure water resources are preserved and developed without allowing any form of destruction.

“We have witnessed the reality of the valley and seen cannabis being grown in the Mara River valley. Water resource laws do not allow illegal cannabis farming. Even legitimate crops should be grown at least 60 metres from the riverbank. Those cultivating cannabis are part of the problem, as soil erosion eventually causes sediment to flow into the river when it rains,” Mr Mataro said.

He added that the board has developed a plan for the Northern Catchment that outlines permissible activities near water sources, which are environmentally friendly and the board will ensure these plans are implemented to safeguard water conservation.

An agricultural officer from the Mara Regional Commissioner’s office, Mr Lepapa Molel noted that many farmers rely on water from the Mara River for cannabis farming.

“I advise farmers to switch to growing food crops that can provide them with both food and income, instead of cannabis,” he said.

In an unexpected turn of events, villagers from Nkerege village in Kiore ward, Tarime District, Mara Region, decided to cooperate with the authority in the process of cutting down and destroying cannabis farms to restore peace and stability in their village.

The decision arose from the fear that emerged during the cannabis uprooting operation, where people fled their homes, fearing arrest, which disrupted their social and economic activities.

Speaking about the situation, Kiore Ward Councillor, Mr Rhobi John, explained that the residents of Nkerege unanimously rejected cannabis and the crop will no longer be grown in their villages.

“Last night, the men, women and youth all decided that cannabis will no longer be seen here. We will act as guardians and monitor each other. If we see anyone growing it, we will follow up and report it. I thank the legal education team from the Authority for enlightening the women and youth, who previously thought this was a good crop for them,” he said.

Mr Julius Matiku, an elder and leader of the Wasweta clan, said, “We have agreed to destroy cannabis to eliminate this problem of people running away. Any youth caught growing cannabis will have to pay a fine of five cows.” He added that it is the duty of the elders to ensure that laws are respected in the village.

Similarly, Burima Marwa Nyawise, the secretary of the elders, said they have decided to destroy the cannabis so that they can cultivate other crops like maize and sesame, and continue raising livestock in the area.