THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has seized 1,815 kilogrammes of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), locally known as 'Skanka,' in an operation conducted at Mbezi Luguruni and Magomeni, in the city of Dar es Salaam.

Aretas Lyimo, the DCEA commissioner general, said at a press conference yesterday that five persons were arrested in connection with the drugs haul.

The key apprehended suspect was identified as Richard Mwanri (47), a resident of Mbezi Makonde, Kinondoni municipality in the city, whom the commissioner said is a key distributor.

"Richard is a criminal who has been receiving drugs from various countries and smuggling them into the country using vehicles. The drugs were concealed among other goods before being distributed to dealers across different locations in the country," he said.

The operation was conducted at a careful pace from late August to September 2, enabling the arrest of additional suspects including Felista Mwanri (70), the owner of the house where the drugs were reportedly found.

Yet others were Athumani Mohamed (58) resident in Tanga Region, Omary Mohamed (32), a bajaj driver working at Buza in Temeke District, and Juma Chapa (36) resident at Kiwalani, a south west suburb of the city.

The drugs were seized at Buguruni, Mbezi and Magomeni, he said, pointing out that ‘skanka’ contains high levels of the toxic chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and has significant adverse effects on the nervous system.

"'Skanka' causes mental health drawbacks, contributing to non-communicable diseases like heart ailments, kidney failure and liver disorders, where ‘skanka’ use by pregnant women is harmful to the foetus, impacting brain development reducing weight at birth, he further noted.

The drugs are smuggled from foreign countries through border crossings, he said, urging border staff to be vigilant in curbing the entry of such drugs into the country.

Border customs point officers involved in vehicle and goods inspection should remain alert as drug traffickers use various methods to conceal such luggage, he stated, pointing at a Mitsubishi Pajero, T 551 CAB and a bajaj, MC 844 CZV seized in the search.

A recent World Drugs Report released by United Nations agencies in the Austrian capital of Vienna earlier this year noted that regions where cannabis use is legal are seeing an increase in the production of cannabis products with high levels of THC, he said.

 The report also highlights a rise in people seeking treatment for cannabis use, alongside increasing cases of mental health weaknesses and attempted suicides, he said, urging the public to be more forthcoming in reporting individuals involved in drug trafficking.

People should discourage participation in drug trade or use, he said, noting that the law enforcers are in the process of dismantling a major drug network in the country.

Drugs pose a serious threat to people's lives, he warned, stressing that recent seizures are a result of the agency’s community education efforts.

It focuses on the dangers of drug trafficking and use, as well as the government's efforts to strengthen the fight against drugs, he added.