The ongoing partnership between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Tanzania Marine Police is yielding significant success in the fight against maritime crimes, a top official has said.
Andres Reyes, a UNODC instructor from Colombia, made the remarks on May 29, 2026, in Mwanza City during the closing ceremony of a rigorous four-week training program on "Maritime Boarding, Search, and Seizure Operations" for marine police officers.
Reyes noted that the month-long training was specifically designed to sharpen the officers' skills and boost their capacity to tackle various maritime threats, including smuggling, illegal fishing, illicit arms trafficking, and other transnational crimes across the country's waters.
Throughout the training, participants engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions designed to enhance their professionalism and ensure the robust security of the nation's water borders.
Marking his third visit to the Mwanza region, Reyes expressed his appreciation for the strong cooperation he received from local leaders and the Police Force in delivering vital security education and training to the officers.
The UNODC instructor also commended Tanzania's overall security, pointing out that despite the evolving challenges of global crime, the country remains remarkably safe and stable.
He reaffirmed UNODC's commitment to providing specialized training to the Marine Police and other security units to further strengthen their capacity against international maritime crime.
Speaking on behalf of the Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Frolence Mwenda officially closed the training, confirming that 10 officers successfully graduated from the specialized course. ACP Mwenda emphasized that the Police Force will continue to sharpen its officers' skills through local and international training to effectively counter criminals who are constantly modernizing their tactics.
On his part, the Head of the Marine Police Unit in Mwanza Region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Wenceslaus Muchunguzi, highlighted that the newly acquired skills will significantly improve how officers conduct searches, apprehend suspects on water vessels, and collect legally admissible evidence for prosecution. He added that the training leaves the team physically and tactically prepared to handle any emergencies on the lake.
Sharing her experience, one of the graduates, WP Corporal Zainabu, thanked the Police Force leadership for the opportunity. She noted that they learned modern techniques in rescue operations, tactical communication, and vessel searches during emergencies skills she believes will serve as a major catalyst in the execution of their daily duties.
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