Police in Arusha Region in collaboration with good civilians have impounded a large consignment of khat (Catha edulis) loaded in a vehicle which had also previously been seized by the court for the same offence in March last year.

The Arusha Regional Police Commander, Mr. Liberatu Sabas said that in the incident, four suspects have been arrested including the driver of the vehicle, a Mitsubishi Canter with registration number T 306 BUN. Its owner is also facing the similar charges in court.

Mr. Sabas mentioned those arrested as Joel Lukumay, resident of Oldonyo Sambu, Arumeru District, Rahimu Gilla, Resident of Sombetini, Arusha, Ibrahimu Katambweli, resident of Ngaramtoni and Mussa Mollel, of Oldonyo Sambu.

Mr. Sabas said preliminary investigations have revealed that after the suspect was charged, the court handed over the vehicle in order to keep it while the case was continuing, but he decided to continue to use the vehicle to transport the illegal drugs.

Regarding the allegation that there are unfaithful policemen involved in crime networks, the Regional Police Commander implored the public to give secret information of any crime and those who would be found, would be dealt with accordingly.

Also with regard people who are asking that khat should not be seized, since it has been legalized in other countries, he said people with such notion should understand that the police are safeguarding the Law of Tanzania and not of the neighbouring countries. Police, he said would continue to impound those illegal drugs and arrest those involved in either transporting or using it.

The actual value of consignment has not been established.