Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE police force is soon embarking on an ambitious “Nyangumi” operation against drug deals in Zanzibar and coastal regions of Tanzania mainland.
Zanzibar Police Commissioner Mohammed Haji Hassan told reporters here yesterday that under the new joint operation, the police will work closely with all their stakeholders in combating abusive drugs.
“This was a special and historic meeting for the police commanders to strategise on the most effective way to fight drug barons,” Commissioner Hassan said of the one-day gathering that had brought together Unguja and Pemba Police Regional Commanders (RPCs) as well as their Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Coast, Lindi and Mtwara counterparts.
He described Zanzibar and the mainland’s coastal regions as the most vulnerable areas for the evil business. “…and once they (drugs) enter the country through the ocean, they can easily get access to the upcountry regions.”
Added Commissioner Hassan: “The ocean is used by many people—fishermen, transporters and even travellers; all these users can opt to deal in drugs.”
The police chief in the isles warned that through the ruthless Nyangumi (whale) operation, drug barons will be dealt mercilessly: “We are ready to start the operation soon; wananchi will hear and see for themselves what will happen.”
He asked parents to warn their children against the evil business or risk the wrath of the campaign, “Imagine the power of the whale in the ocean; that is how our joint operations will be.”
Just last June the police, judiciary and government chemist came under strong condemnation, with Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi publicly accusing them of ineptitude in the fight against abusive drugs.
Dr Mwinyi condemned their failing of the country in the war against the social and economically destructive business. He fumed, “We for instance have articulate laws that forbid bails to suspected drug dealers but we see suspects walking freely on bails; the job of the police is to arrest and investigate but they have turned themselves into judges to give verdicts on drug cases.”
Changes are underway already to transform Zanzibar Commission for National Coordination and Drug Control into a special squad capable of arresting, investigating and prosecuting drug cases.
The revolutionary government is as well working out mechanisms to have only highly committed and exhaustively vetted individuals presiding over drug related cases in courts.
Since his general election campaigns last year, President Mwinyi had vowed to free the Spice Islands from abusive drugs, pledging to reinforce the state agencies through appropriate training and equipment.
Zanzibar has been frequently mentioned as the main drug gateway, transit and trafficking hub to Europe and United States of America, with islands themselves allegedly hosting over 10,000 out of the world’s 200 million drug abusers.
