Unguja. The Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (ZDCE) has announced the confiscation of drug trafficking suspects’ assets valued at Sh15.3 billion, declaring them government property.
The decision follows a special operation conducted in January this year which resulted in the seizure of over 100 kilograms of Methamphetamine, hashish and marijuana.
Speaking here on Monday, April 22, 2024, the ZDCE Commissioner General Colonel Burhani Zuberi Nassoro said the drugs were smuggled into the country by Salehe Khamis Basleman and Gawar Bachi Fakir, both residents of Chukwani in Mjini Magharibi Region.
The suspects are alleged to be involved in illegal drug trafficking across Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. However, anyone dissatisfied with this declaration can appeal to the court within 30 days from today.
“Through this trade, they have amassed a significant amount of money, which they launder by purchasing luxury cars, houses, land, and establishing dummy businesses,” he said.
He clarified that he is confiscating these assets under the authority granted to him by section 73(1) of the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority Act No. 8 of 2021, after considering the requirements of section 71 of the same Act.
Before reaching this decision, the authority issued various announcements in the government gazette and in the areas of the suspects, Salehe and his wife Gawar, calling for them to declare their income or the manner in which they acquired their assets. However, they failed to comply within the 30 days stipulated by law.
The assets include six cars valued at Sh399 million, three maritime transport vessels, and one engine valued at Sh29.9 million, as well as eight residential and business plots valued at Sh6.8 billion.
Additionally, there are three luxury villas worth Sh6.3 billion and eight residential and commercial properties worth Sh1.7 billion. All assets are located in various areas of Unguja Island.
He emphasized that this amount of money is significant enough to fund approximately two ministries in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
“We are raising awareness so that the people of Zanzibar understand that individuals are accumulating wealth through the illegal sale of drugs, harming our youth.
While some residents of Unguja town applaud the actions taken by the authority, they have called for the arrest of those involved to dismantle the network.
“If these people are not apprehended, they can continue their operations through other means. I believe they cannot act alone; there are collaborators,” said Ayoub Hamad.
Another resident, Raya Idd, highlighted, “We witness how drug addicts struggle on the streets to obtain money for drugs, resorting to theft, robbery, or odd jobs. Therefore, additional strategies are necessary.”
Without disclosing names or institutions, Colonel Burhan mentioned that some government officials collaborate with these criminals, some of whom have fled the country upon observing the intensifying operation, fearing identification and arrest.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
US taps Tanzania for infrastructure plan in battle with China for minerals
Washington wants to tap into the country’s minerals, particularly its nickel mines.Continue Reading
High Court rejects Transworld’s application
The High Court in Dar es Salaam has struck out an application in which Transworld Aviation, a ground handler at the Abeid Aman Karume International Airport (AAKIA) was seeking permission to sue the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA).Continue Reading
Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
