By Nelson Manneh
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has issued a strong warning to bars, restaurants, and nightclub owners following a violent clash between drug enforcement officers and patrons at a popular establishment. Authorities say business owners who permit drug-related activities on their premises will face legal consequences.
The warning comes after a raid at Domino’s Bar and Restaurant near BB Hotel, where DLEAG operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested several individuals engaged in open drug use. As officers attempted to leave with the suspects, a large crowd attacked them with stones, sticks, chairs, and bottles.
“The officers were outnumbered and placed under siege,” said Saidyba, DLEAG’s public relations officer. “Some of the suspects managed to escape, and several of our officers sustained injuries.”
Reinforcements were called in to restore order, leading to the arrest of 15 people for obstruction. Following an investigation, 13 were formally charged and appeared in court on February 17. They were remanded in custody, with their next hearing scheduled for March 5.
In the wake of the attack, DLEAG has vowed to crack down on businesses that allow drug abuse, dealing, and trafficking on their premises.
“Some nightclubs and restaurants have gained a reputation for permitting open drug use,” Saidyba said. “But whenever we try to enforce the law, we are met with resistance from owners, security personnel, or even management.”
Under Section 40 of the Drug Control Act (DCA) 2003, property owners and managers are legally responsible for preventing drug-related activities on their premises. The law states that no person managing a property shall knowingly permit the production, supply, or use of controlled substances. The DCA further provides thar anyone found using or possessing drugs on a property is presumed to have the owner’s permission unless proven otherwise.
The Act also prohibits individuals from frequenting places known for drug activity and possessing drug paraphernalia.
Saidyba emphasized that DLEAG will now strictly enforce these provisions, holding business owners accountable if drug-related offenses occur on their premises.
“From now on, any establishment found tolerating drug activity will face the full force of the law,” he warned. “Owners must take steps to prevent such behavior, or they will be prosecuted without fear, favor, or malice.”
Recent Arrests and Seizures
DLEAG reported that, in the past six days, 48 suspects were arrested in connection with illicit drugs. The suspects include 43 Gambians, two Sierra Leoneans, one Senegalese, one Nigerian, and one Guinean from Conakry.
During the operation, officers seized Cannabis sativa: 18 bundles, 36 parcels, 18 wraps – Hashish: Three blocks, 47 pieces – Kush: Nine plastic bags, 34 pieces, 28 wraps and Ecstasy: 1,007 pills.
In addition, six new drug-related cases were filed in court, including one for drug trafficking. Two convictions were secured at the Bundung and Essau Magistrates Courts.
DLEAG urged business owners to take proactive measures to prevent drug use and trafficking within their establishments.
“If we find any premises violating the law, we will take action,” Saidyba said. “Business owners have a responsibility, and they will be held accountable.”
