Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jul 2005
Source: East African, The (Kenya)
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Copyright: 2005, Nation Media Group Ltd
Author: J. Mwamunyange, Nairobi
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

WE'LL INTRODUCE HARSHER PENALTIES, SAYS OFFICIAL

Tanzania will review its anti-drug laws to impose heavy penalties for 
traffickers and users.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office William Lukuvi says 
the current anti-narcotics laws, enacted in 1995, have proved 
inadequate as they have too many shortcomings, including giving 
offenders the option of fines. "The current law does not establish a 
basis for asset forfeiture; it does not or even criminalise drug 
money," said Mr Lukuvi.

Anti-Narcotics Commissioner Chistopher Shekiondo also says the 
current law need to be amended. "The Act has a number of 
shortcomings, especially a section which gives offenders the option 
of walking away after paying a fine," he said. Some of the drug 
traffickers are wealthy people, he added. Mr Shekiondo said 
weaknesses in the laws had encouraged the use and trade in narcotics 
instead of deterring it.

Legal Experts say the current anti-narcotics law was hastily drafted 
and modelled on a draft prepared by the United Nations Drug Control 
Programme to make countries compliant with the 1988 UN Drug Convention.

Kenyan anti-narcotics officers destroy a marijuana crop in Mt Kenya 
forest. The Tanzanian police give offenders the option of walking 
away after paying a fine.

A lawyer who asked not to be named said the law should impose the 
death penalty on those selling drugs to anyone under 18.

In addition to longer jail terms, the government should also 
introduce amendments that allow asset forfeiture and criminalise drug money.

"The laws must state clearly that money and assets used for the 
manufacture, transport, sale or safekeeping of illegal drugs will be 
seized and this must include all assets derived directly or 
indirectly from drug trafficking," said the lawyer.

Mr Shekiondo said the government will also launch a public awareness 
campaign against the use of narcotics.

The strategy is to prevent the introduction of drugs to new users, 
help current users break the habit and provide treatment through 
rehabilitation and social reintegration.

"We shall also intensify the war against cultivation of drugs, 
broaden regional co-operation between governments in response to 
cross-border trafficking, strengthen border controls by providing 
modern equipment, and develop training in law enforcement procedures," he said. 
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MAP posted-by: Beth