Tanzanian law enforcement has intercepted a vessel, B.F.D 16548, flying the Pakistani flag, loaded with methamphetamine along the country’s coastline. Eight Pakistani nationals were arrested in connection with the bust, as the vessel was linked to long-term drug trafficking activities.
The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) Commissioner-General, Aretas Lyimo, disclosed during a press conference in Dar es Salaam that the vessel had been engaged in illicit activities for nearly three decades. Regular trips from Pakistani ports through Iran were made to smuggle drugs, which were offloaded at various locations in the western Indian Ocean region.
During the operation, officials confiscated 673.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin, with 448.3 kilograms hidden inside the ship and 224.9 kilograms seized along Dar es Salaam’s shoreline. The suspects have been brought before a court in Dar es Salaam, with the government seeking to permanently confiscate the vessel upon legal approval.
The ship reportedly has the capacity to transport up to eight tonnes of illegal substances per trip. This seizure adds to the 2.3 million kilograms of illegal drugs confiscated in 2024, a significant increase from the 1.9 million kilograms intercepted in 2023. Cannabis was the most commonly seized substance, followed by methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl-laced medications.
In addition, a new drug, 3-4 methylene-dioxy-pyrrolidone (DMV), was discovered for the first time this year, marking a troubling development in drug trafficking patterns.
To combat trafficking, the Tanzanian government has invested in patrol boats and formed task forces to monitor high-risk areas, such as Lake Victoria. With more than 600 entry points along coastlines and lakeshores, authorities have appealed to citizens to report suspicious activities.
Rehabilitation efforts have also been expanded, with two new centers opened in Coast and Tanga regions, bringing the total number of treatment clinics to 18. Over 18,000 individuals have accessed care in these facilities. Officials have noted a decline in heroin use but highlighted a shift towards prescription drug abuse.
Tanzania continues to enhance international cooperation and employ modern technology to disrupt trafficking networks and strengthen its drug control initiatives.