THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has destroyed 614.12 kilogrammes of illegal drugs which were seized and kept as evidence.

Aretas Lyimo, the commissioner general, told journalists at the destruction spot yesterday, that 601.87kgs of methamphetamine and 12.25kgs were heroin were part of the drugs destroyed,

The drugs had been held as evidence, up to issuance of rulings by the Kibaha and Kisutu magistrates’ courts for their destruction due to the risk of deterioration while the related cases are still being heard.

“The destruction of the drugs is being carried out in accordance with the Drugs and Narcotics Control Act No. 5 of 2015, along with its regulations,” he said, noting that the law allows for the destruction of drugs before, during, or after a case is concluded in court.

The destruction exercise was conducted with public health and environmental safety controls, with oversight of various stakeholders as required by law, he pointed out.

During this month the law enforcers destroyed 12 acres of marijuana farms in Tabora Region, plus 398.105kgs of various drugs in Mtwara Region, he also, similarly pointing at intended destruction of .126.21 kilogrammes of khat in Arusha Region in the coming days.

He commended stakeholders who facilitated the destruction of the drugs and for institutional cooperation with the law enforcers, affirming that drug destruction will be pursued in the regions as courts issue further orders.

“We remain committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that these illegal drugs are controlled for the benefit of our society,” he added.