DAR ES SALAAM: THE Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) has been credited with strengthening Tanzania’s fight against illicit drugs through scientific testing and expert evidence that has increased successful prosecution of drug-related cases.
The remarks were made by the Commissioner General of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), Mr Aretas Lyimo, during his visit to the GCLA pavilion at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Saba Saba) on Saturday.
Mr Lyimo said the partnership between DCEA and GCLA has continued to grow, becoming a key pillar in enabling both institutions to effectively execute their mandates.
He said all samples submitted to GCLA for examination are analysed accurately and within the required time, enabling government chemists to present professional scientific evidence in court and boosting the success rate of drug-related prosecutions.
“Our cooperation with GCLA is exemplary. The timely laboratory results and expert evidence provided by government chemists in courts have greatly contributed to winning various drug-related cases,” Mr Lyimo said.
He commended the authority for investing in modern equipment and technology that facilitate the identification and analysis of different types of illicit drugs and related chemicals.
According to Mr Lyimo, the enhanced laboratory capacity has enabled Tanzania to build a strong scientific investigation system, capable of addressing emerging challenges in drug control and enforcement.
He noted that with more than 1,430 types of illicit drugs circulating globally, GCLA’s ability to accurately identify and analyse such substances plays a crucial role in strengthening law enforcement and ensuring justice.
Mr Lyimo also urged traders and the public to verify the chemical composition of products they import or sell through GCLA and other regulatory authorities to avoid unknowingly violating the law.
“Some traders have found themselves arrested after selling products they believed were safe, only to discover later that they contained chemicals linked to illicit drugs. It is important to seek professional advice and verification before importing or distributing such products,” he stressed.
ALSO READ: GCLA urges use of accredited laboratory services
A visitor to the GCLA pavilion, Mr Pasehsi Anthony of Mbezi in Dar es Salaam, said the education he received helped him better understand the authority’s critical role in the criminal justice system.
Mr Anthony said he had been unaware that all seized illicit drugs must undergo scientific examination at GCLA laboratories before they can be presented as evidence in court.
“Today I have realised that GCLA has a much bigger role than I previously understood. Its scientific investigations help establish facts in court and ensure justice is delivered. I encourage citizens to visit this pavilion and learn more about the important services provided by this institution,” Mr Anthony said.
Through its participation in the Saba Saba trade fair, GCLA is educating the public on its services, including scientific examination of illicit drugs, chemicals, products, environmental samples and forensic evidence.
The authority is also using the exhibition to promote the safe use of chemicals and raise public awareness of the importance of scientific services in protecting national security and supporting sustainable development.