THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), in collaboration with other security agencies have destroyed 285.5 acres of khat farms in Same District, Tanzania.
During the operation conducted from 19 to 25 March 2025, seven suspects were arrested, including the long-wanted suspected leader of the illegal khat trade in Tanzania, Ms Interindwa Kirumbi, commonly known as ‘Mama Dangote.’
Speaking after the operation, DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo stated that Mama Dangote is a major producer and distributor of khat in the country.
“For over 30 years, she has been running networks involved in the illegal trade, controlling various markets despite knowing it is against the law,” Mr Lyimo stated.
“In that operation, we destroyed a total of 535 acres of khat farms. Together with district authorities, we raised awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, including khat, aiming to help locals transition to alternative farming and livestock keeping as a means of income generation,” Commissioner General Lyimo added.
He added that two years ago, the authority also conducted a similar operation in the district and educated residents about the dangers of khat farming, urging them to shift to alternative crops and livestock farming.
He further explained that as part of these efforts, the Same District Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock introduced pig farming projects and distributed seedlings for coffee, cardamom and other crops.
As a result, many residents abandoned khat farming in favour of alternative crops.
However, some individuals defied the guidance and continued with khat cultivation and trade.
Commissioner Lyimo emphasised that the authority will continue conducting operations to ensure that all those involved in khat trade are arrested and face legal action.
“The government’s objective is to eradicate khat trade and consumption, especially considering that Same District is the country’s main khat production hub, posing a significant threat to national well-being. This is why we are conducting ongoing operations across the country to curb the cultivation, transportation, and use of both farm-produced and industrially manufactured drugs,” he stressed.
The DCEA also called on citizens to report khat producers, distributors and users.
He argued that cooperation from the public will help eradicate this illegal trade and protect society.
