DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has said it continues to achieve significant success in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the country due to strengthened enforcement operations, cooperation among security agencies, and public awareness campaigns.
The statement was made today, May 29, 2026, in Dodoma by Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi while speaking to journalists about the 2025 National Drug Situation Report, which he presented in Parliament.
Prof Kabudi said the presentation of the report is in line with Section 66 of the Drug Control and Enforcement Act No. 5 of 2015, which requires the government to submit the report to Parliament annually.
He said the report aims to demonstrate government accountability to citizens through Parliament and provide an assessment of the implementation of strategies to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
“In 2025, the Sixth Phase Government under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan continued to invest heavily in the fight against drugs through the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority, security agencies, and various stakeholders,” said Prof. Kabudi.
He said cannabis remained the most seized narcotic drug in 2025, with a total of 1,017.26 tonnes confiscated, although the amount decreased by 55.97 percent compared to 2024.
According to Prof Kabudi, the decline was due to the destruction of large cannabis farms in 2024 and increased public education on the dangers of cultivating the crop.
He also said that 26.36 tonnes of khat were seized in 2025, representing an increase of 42.88 percent compared to the previous year due to strengthened border control operations.
Regarding synthetic drugs, the government seized 907.18 kilograms of methamphetamine, 672.23 kilograms of heroin, 4.89 kilograms of cocaine, 178 grams of MDMA, and 7.82 grams of MDA.
Prof Kabudi further said that for the first time in 2025, the government confiscated 29.52 tonnes of a new narcotic substance known as Kratom, derived from the plant Mitrogyna speciosa, which had been imported into the country disguised as fertilizer.
“These achievements are the result of extensive work carried out by the authority in collaboration with security agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks through land, air, and maritime routes,” he said.
He added that the government continued strengthening inspections at customs checkpoints, transport facilities, parcel delivery companies, and businesses dealing in precursor chemicals and controlled medicinal substances to prevent diversion.
Through the inspections, authorities seized 31.76 tonnes and 183.5 litres of precursor chemicals, as well as 2.36 kilograms and 160 millilitres of controlled medicinal substances.
On drug-related offences, Prof. Kabudi said that in 2025, a total of 1,124 cases were filed in various courts across the country, while 1,373 cases were concluded, with the prosecution winning 1,058 of them.
Additionally, assets worth more than 3.3bn/- linked to drug-related crimes were confiscated.
Regarding rehabilitation and treatment services, he said that 85,425 people suffering from drug addiction received treatment through mental health units, MAT clinics, and rehabilitation centers across the country.
The government also continued providing public education on the dangers of drug abuse through various awareness campaigns in communities, educational institutions, and media outlets.
Prof Kabudi said the government will continue cooperating with local and international stakeholders in intelligence sharing, institutional capacity building, and joint operations against drug trafficking networks.
He commended the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority, security agencies, health experts, and citizens for their cooperation in the fight against drugs.
He also urged citizens to continue reporting any signs of drug trafficking or abuse to the relevant authorities to help make Tanzania safe and free from drug-related crimes.