More than several acres of marijuana have been destroyed in a special operation carried out within the Ukwiva Forest Reserve, in Kilosa district, Morogoro region, involving the cooperation of defense and security agencies and the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS).
The operation, which took place on September 26, 2025, involved teams from the DSO Office, the Police Force through the OCD Office, representatives from the DAS Office, a Ranger squad and TFS staff. The marijuana plantations found within the reserve were immediately burned.
Speaking after the exercise, the Operation Leader, SSP Janeth Nganda, Kilosa District Police Commander (OCD) said:
“We issue a stern warning to all citizens involved in illegal farming within protected forests. The government will not tolerate such acts that endanger the security of the reserves and the future of national resources”, he said
TFS Eastern Zone Commander, PCO Mathew Ntilicha the aim of the patrol was to strengthen the protection of the reserves and prevent forests from being converted into illegal agricultural fields, including marijuana.
In addition, the operation also aimed to provide education and sensitize citizens to avoid environmental destruction.
He said protected forests are national property and should be protected for the present and future generations, adding that such operations will continue in various protected areas in the country, to ensure forest security and reduce environmental crimes.
