Zanzibar warns drug barons of tough action

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has vowed to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, warning that tough measures await individuals involved in the illicit trade. Acting Minister in the Office of the First Vice-President, Mr Hamza Hassan Juma, issued the warning while launching an antidrug awareness march organised by the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority in Pemba. The march, held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, started in Chake Chake town and ended at Gombani Stadium. Mr Hamza described drug trafficking as a global criminal enterprise that Zanzibar is determined to combat through coordinated government action and strong leadership. “Drug trafficking is not a small-scale activity. It is driven by influential individuals with significant financial resources. However, we are committed to ensuring strict legal action is taken against anyone involved,” he said. He stressed that the government, under the leadership of President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, would not tolerate individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade. “We will work together, from the Office of the First Vice-President to all top leaders, to take firm action against those who consider themselves untouchable while engaging in drug trafficking. Their assets will be confiscated and the law will take its course,” he said. Mr Hamza also called on communities to cooperate with authorities by exposing individuals involved in drug-related crimes. “This illegal trade takes place within our communities. I urge local leaders, including Shehas, to cooperate fully in identifying and reporting those involved,” he said. He added that the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority has strengthened its services to support citizens who provide information on drug-related activities. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner General of the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (ZDCEA), Colonel Burhan Zubeir Nassoro, said the march demonstrated the collective responsibility of government institutions and the public in combating drug trafficking. He commended President Mwinyi for his commitment to safeguarding public health and protecting citizens from the dangers of drug abuse. ALSO READ: TMDA strengthens drug safety oversight in fight against counterfeit medicines “Our President has consistently spoken out against drug trafficking. This initiative demonstrates our shared responsibility to curb the illegal drug trade through cooperation between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and the public,” he said. South Pemba Regional Commissioner Rashid Hadidi Rashid said drug abuse remains a major challenge locally and globally, with serious consequences for public health and economic development. “Young people are the most affected group, often losing opportunities for education, employment and personal development due to drug abuse,” he said. He warned that drug abuse contributes to crime, family conflicts, disease, poverty and theft, all of which undermine social and economic progress. Mr Rashid said authorities in Pemba, working with various stakeholders, are strengthening public awareness campaigns, law enforcement and institutional capacity to address the problem. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the First Vice-President, Ms Maryama Juma Sadala, highlighted ongoing government efforts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Chief Government Chemist, to help young people overcome drug addiction. She said the number of people enrolled in methadone treatment programmes increased from five in 2015 to 1,838 in 2016, highlighting the scale of the challenge. “Treatment services are available through the Ministry of Health, but the increase in numbers shows that more young people continue to be affected by drug use,” she said. Ms Sadala urged young people to avoid drug abuse, stressing that they are the backbone of the nation’s workforce and future development. The event formed part of broader government efforts to mobilise communities, strengthen enforcement and promote prevention strategies aimed at eliminating drug abuse and trafficking in Zanzibar. The post Zanzibar warns drug barons of tough action first appeared on Daily News . The post Zanzibar warns drug barons of tough action appeared first on Daily News .