By Charles Mkoka
In a major crackdown on the illegal miraa trade, the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has destroyed 285.5 acres of miraa (khat) farms in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region.
The week-long operation, which ran from March 19 to 25, 2025, led to the arrest of seven suspects, including one of the country’s most notorious traffickers, Interindwa Zinywangwa Kirumbi—better known as Mama Dangote.
DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo described Mama Dangote as a key figure in Tanzania’s illegal miraa trade. For over three decades, she has operated extensive distribution networks, supplying the stimulant to various regions despite government crackdowns and strict regulations.
Authorities have long sought to dismantle her empire, making her arrest a significant victory in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
"This operation is part of our ongoing commitment to curbing the production and distribution of illegal drugs in Tanzania.
The destruction of these farms is not just about law enforcement—it’s about protecting future generations from the devastating effects of drug abuse," Commissioner Lyimo stated.
This isn’t the first time DCEA has intervened in the region. Two years ago, authorities conducted a similar operation in Same District, during which they also provided community education on the dangers of miraa cultivation.
Farmers were encouraged to transition to legal and sustainable agricultural alternatives, such as food crops and livestock farming. However, despite these efforts, illegal farming persisted, prompting the latest crackdown.
The abuse of miraa has long been a growing concern in Tanzania, particularly among young people.
While some argue that miraa is a mild stimulant, its prolonged use can lead to addiction, mental health issues, and reduced productivity among users.
The government has been intensifying its efforts to combat drug abuse by targeting both traffickers and suppliers, aiming to cut off the problem at its root.
For communities in Same and other affected areas, the operation sends a clear message—there is no tolerance for illegal drug trade.
While some farmers may struggle with the transition, authorities remain firm in their stance that alternative livelihoods must be embraced to protect public health and economic stability.
As the DCEA continues its war against illegal drugs, the arrest of Mama Dangote is expected to deal a major blow to the miraa trade in Tanzania.
Whether this will be the turning point in the fight against illegal drug cultivation remains to be seen, but for now, authorities have made it clear: the era of miraa kingpins running unchecked is coming to an end.