Pot times July 15, 2005
We'll Introduce Harsher Penalties, Says Official
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1117/a10.htmlNewshawk: Herb
Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 WE'LL INTRODUCE HARSHER PENALTIES, SAYS OFFICIAL
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)
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(Cannabis)
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.
