LAW enforcers have arrested 17 individuals for suspicion of involvement in the cultivation of 3,007.5 acres of cannabis, destroyed during a three-week operation in the Serengeti and Tarime districts, Mara Region.

Aretas Lyimo, the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) commissioner general, said at a press conference here yesterday that in the operation, enforcement authorities seized 7,832.5 kilograms of dry cannabis and 452 kilograms of seeds.

At a briefing on the three-week operation, he said that it was aimed at combating the production and distribution of drugs, particularly cannabis, and covered Matongo, Nyarwana and Weigita villages in the Masinki Valley, as well as Nkerege, Kembwe, Nyakunguru and Iseresere villages, close to the Mara River Valley.

 The government is committed to protecting the public from drug-related harm, he said, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in reporting cannabis growing activity.

Affirming that cannabis farming in the region is often funded by individuals from neighboring countries, he said they provide capital to local farmers who then harvest and transport the crop for sale.

“We are giving the people of the region three months to cease all involvement in cannabis farming. After this period, we will launch a major operation to ensure these areas are used differently, while those still engaging in cannabis farming will be arrested and hauled to court, he stressed.

Tarime District Commissioner Maj. Edward Gowele acknowledged the challenges posed by cannabis farming, particularly in the Mara River Valley, and noted that the government has begun taking decisive actions to address the issue.

“We have initiated public education on the dangers of cannabis and the potential losses associated with its cultivation. Many residents have expressed their intention to abandon cannabis farming,” he said.

Mwita Mataro, a water resources manager with the Lake Victoria Basin Water Board, stressed the importance of preserving water resources, noting that cannabis cultivation is illegal under water resource laws. Crops must be planted far from the river banks, ideally 60 meters from major river banks.

“Those cultivating cannabis are damaging water sources, as rain causes soil and sediment to wash into the river,” he stated, elaborating that the board has developed a sustainable management plan for the northern region to oversee water conservation efforts.

Lepapa Molel, a regional agricultural official, advised farmers to transit to food crops that provide sustenance and income, and ditch cannabis.

In a surprising development, residents of Nkerege village, Kiore ward chose to collaborate with DCEA to cut down and destroy cannabis farms. They explained the move as an effort to restore peace and stability in their community.

The commissioner said DCEA is conducting operations nationwide to eradicate drug cultivation and trafficking and striving to ensure a drug-free Tanzania.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to fight against drugs. We must not contribute to the destruction of our nation by continuing to cultivate and engage in drug trafficking,” he added.