By Nelson Manneh
In a breakthrough against drug trafficking, The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) announced the seizure of more than 401,767 pills of suspected ecstasy following a month-long sting operation. The arrests were made on September 16, 2025, targeting two Gambian nationals linked to the illicit drug trade.
Ousman Saidyba, Public Relations Officer of DLEAG, disclosed that the drugs, if sold at wholesale, are valued at approximately forty million dalasis (D40,000,000).
According to Saidyba, Fallou Cham, a Gambian national, was apprehended at London Corner in Serrekunda with 1,767 ecstasy pills. Subsequent investigations led authorities to a residence in Sukuta used as a drug bunker, where officers discovered eleven suitcases containing eighty packets of ecstasy, each holding 5,000 pills. The raid also recovered 167,700 dalasis, 175 CFA, and 50,000 Euros. Further operations traced the trafficking network to Brufut, where Mariama Jawara was arrested at her residence. Preliminary inquiries indicate that the drugs were shipped from Holland by Jawara’s husband, who reportedly remains abroad, while she allegedly coordinated operations locally.
Both individuals are in custody as DLEAG continues its investigation into the operation, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating the proliferation and abuse of illegal drugs in The Gambia.
