DAR ES SALAAM, Aug 14 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — Tanzania’s Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has seized 756 bags of the new drug, mitragyna speciosa, weighing a total of 18,485.6 kilograms, equivalent to 18.5 tons, which was being imported into the country as fertilizer.
This was stated today by the Commissioner General of DCEA, Aretas Lyimo, while speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam.
Lyimo said that, in the incident, seven (7) suspects have been arrested, including two Sri Lankan citizens, Jagath Prasanna Madduma Wellalage (46) and Santhush Ruminda Hewage (25).
“The arrested Tanzanians are Riziki Abdallah Shawej (40), Andrew Athanas Nyembe (34), Mariam Shaban Mgatila (40), Ramadhan Sanze Said (57), and Godwin Melchory Maffeikiri (40).
He added, “These drugs were in a 40-foot container, originating in Sri Lanka.
He said this is the second time this type of new drug has been seized, where in June this year, they seized 450 bags weighing more than 11.5 tons of the new drug type mitragyna speciosa imported into the country as fertilizer in a 20-foot container originating in Sri Lanka.
” Thus, making a total of 30,082.03 kilograms equivalent to 30 tons of these drugs seized in a short period in the country.”
Commissioner General Lyimo said that Mitragyna Speciosa is a new drug (New Psychoactive Substance-NPS) derived from a plant known as Kratom, which is mostly found in Southeast Asian countries.
He said that the drug has similar effects to Opioid drugs (Heroin, Morphine).
“This drug affects the nervous system and causes addiction and sudden death. Due to the increasing use of Mitragym Speciosa worldwide, as well as the side effects caused by the toxins contained in this drug, many countries in the world have banned its production, transportation and use.”
Similarly, Commissioner General Lyimo said that the seizure of Mitragyna Speciosa is a sign of a new challenge in the war on drugs in the country. Therefore, we will continue to strengthen monitoring and further control of the trade of this drug, along with other drugs, in the country.
Hr said, the use and trade of drugs have health, social, and economic consequences.
“Therefore, the war on drugs will change the lifestyle that is based on the principles set and achieve the goals of the National Vision 2050 with great effectiveness by ensuring that drugs are eradicated in the country and protecting the national workforce. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
