Dar es Salaam. Three residents of Dar es Salaam have been brought before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court facing two counts of trafficking in narcotic drugs, namely cannabis, weighing a total of 1,501 kilograms.
In the first case, Mohamed Bakari (40) and Suleshi Mhairo (36), both from Mabibo, are accused of trafficking 1,350 kilograms of cannabis. The duo, who are businesspersons, appeared in court on Friday, January 3, 2025, where they were presented with charges by State Attorney Titus Aaron.
They were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Beda Nyaki. Prior to reading the charges, Magistrate Nyaki stated that the defendants are not required to plead due to the court’s lack of jurisdiction to hear economic crimes without consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Furthermore, the amount of drugs involved is non-bailable under the law.
During the proceedings, Attorney Aaron alleged that on November 12, 2024, at Nyakwale in Kigamboni, Bakari and Mhairo engaged in the illegal drug trade with knowledge of its illegality. The prosecution noted that the investigation is still ongoing and requested the court to adjourn the case to a later date for mention.
Bakari raised his hand to request a chance to speak; upon being granted permission, he acknowledged the charge against him. Magistrate Nyaki clarified that the court lacks the authority to hear economic crimes unless granted special permission, and reiterated that the case would be transferred to an appropriate court once the investigation is complete.
The judge explained, "Once the investigation is complete, your case will be moved to the competent court for economic crimes, where you will have the opportunity to formally admit to the accusations."
The case has been adjourned until January 16, 2025, with the defendants remanded in custody.
In a separate case, Idd Mohamed Idd (46) from Chanika Buyuni was also presented in the same court facing one count of trafficking 151.43 kilograms of cannabis. Idd, who works as a driver, was charged by State Attorney Aaron in front of Magistrate Nyaki.
The prosecution claimed that the offense took place on November 13, 2024, in the Pweza area of Sinza E, Kinondoni District. It is alleged that Idd was found engaging in the illegal drug trade at the time of the incident.
Due to the ongoing investigation and the nature of the charges, Idd has been remanded in custody. The court has scheduled his case for mention on January 16, 2025.
