Heads have started to roll at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) following failure by airport officials to spot a large consignment of drugs which was passed right under their noses.
Speaking to reporters in Dar es Salaam, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Said Mwema said that so far the police are holding one person in relation to the drug consignment.
He said that the Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA) has handed over one airport worker who is alleged to have been on duty at that time, but said that TAA is in a better position to elaborate further. Early last month, two Tanzanian women were arrested at O.R.
Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa with 150 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine in their possession, a consignment which was cleared at the JNIA. The drugs, locally known as “tik”, have an estimated street value of 7 billion shillings ($4.3 million), according to the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS).
Contacted for confirmation of the action taken by TAA in dealing with laxity at the airport, the TAA Acting Director General, Suleiman Suleiman confirmed the reports, but failed to comment further, claiming the matter is currently in the hands of the police.
“It is true that action has been taken, but I believe that we should let the police handle this matter, because by releasing more information, it might jeopardize the development of the case,” he said. He said that currently TAA has put in place new measures to ensure that drugs on transit are not passing through the airport.
The poor security system and laxity at the country’s international airport in recent days has been in question, after two people were later arrested at JNIA with two kilogrammes of heroin in their possession, with a street value of 90 million shillings ($55,000).
Recently, the Transport Minister, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe threatened to take drastic action and fire those who are responsible for the laxity, saying that such actions tarnish the image of the country.
He said the irresponsibility of the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of airports had resulted in an increase in drug trafficking, bringing shame to the country.
“I do not think these authorities require laws to be effective and efficient in their duties,” remarked the minister, insisting that it was time leaders discharged their responsibilities with utmost integrity to bring development to the country.
By ANTHONY TAMBWE, Tanzania Daily News