Authorities in Zanzibar have uncovered narcotic substances hidden inside chocolates, biscuits, and cashew nut packages during a special anti-drug operation.
The operation was carried out by the Zanzibar Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) on January 25 and 29, 2026. Officials said the illegal substances were cleverly concealed in food products that appeared normal on the outside, raising serious concerns about new smuggling tactics.
Speaking to the media, DCEA Commissioner Colonel Burhani Zuberi Nassor displayed the seized items and warned the public about the dangerous trend. He explained that traffickers are now using everyday consumer goods to transport drugs in an attempt to avoid detection by security agencies.
According to the authorities, the products were discovered during routine inspections and intelligence-led operations targeting suspected drug distribution networks. The confiscated goods included packaged chocolates, popular biscuit brands, and cashew nuts that had been tampered with and infused or packed with narcotic substances.
Officials described the method as alarming because such products can easily reach young people and families if not intercepted in time. The agency stressed that the drugs could have caused serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
The DCEA has launched further investigations to identify those behind the smuggling network. Authorities believe the operation is part of a wider trafficking scheme that may involve cross-border connections.
Commissioner Nassor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting drug abuse and trafficking in Zanzibar. He urged traders and members of the public to remain alert and report any suspicious products or activities to law enforcement agencies.
In recent years, Zanzibar has intensified its crackdown on drug-related crimes through stricter inspections, public awareness campaigns, and stronger border controls.
The latest seizure highlights the evolving tactics used by drug traffickers and the continued efforts by authorities to protect communities from the dangers of narcotics.
