Mozambique: Pair arrested with 200 kg of cannabis in Moatize, Tete

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Mozambique: Pair arrested with 200 kg of cannabis in Moatize, Tete

1:40 CAT | 13 Aug 2025

Screen grab: Notícias

Two men were arrested in possession of 200 kg of cannabis, the National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic) in Tete province announced on Tuesday.

Sernic spokesperson Celina Roque said the arrest occurred “while the individuals were transporting the drug in Moatize district,” and investigations are ongoing to establish further aspects.

“We urge the public to continue collaborating with law enforcement authorities to stem this wave of drug trafficking and use,” the spokesperson urged.

She also stated that the police and other state agencies were working together to combat drug use in schools in the province.

“We are concerned and are working in coordination with the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, and all operational forces are working to combat this wave of alcohol and drug use in schools,” Celina Roque said.

Mozambican health units treated a total of 23,409 patients for drug use in 2024, the Central Office for the Prevention and Control of Drugs reported in May.

According to the agency, the Mozambican capital recorded the most hospitalizations (11,355), followed by the province of Manica (6,451) and Sofala (606). Alcohol and cannabis sativa were the most commonly used substances.

In 2023, young people were the most likely to seek mental health services due to the increase in the use of various types of drugs, with a 30% increase in outpatient mental health consultations, according to government data.

The Mozambican government guaranteed on July 5th that it will halt the production of high-alcohol beverages, as they are “harmful to society”, especially for young people, including those still in school.

“What must be done is to close these factories that produce this harmful product. This doesn’t mean shutting down a beverage factory, but it does mean the production of a specific product line that is consumed and has proven to be harmful to society, particularly young people,” Council of Ministers spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa said in Maputo.

The measure, he added, aimed to end the consumption of these products by young people, and the government was considering moving forward with their removal from commercial establishments near schools.