By Nelson Manneh
Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), in collaboration with the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) of the Gambia Police Force (GPF), conducted a major drug raid in Nyang-bolong Village, Foni Bintang District, West Coast Region, on Saturday, 8 February 2025.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected cannabis sativa, cannabis seeds, and unlicensed hunting rifles.
DLEAG’s Public Relations Officer, Ousman Saidyba, confirmed the arrests and seizures, stating that the operation targeted individuals involved in cannabis cultivation and trafficking in the area.
“The operation led to the arrest of eight adult male Gambian nationals and the seizure of over two hundred bundles of suspected cannabis sativa, thirteen twenty-liter gallons filled with cannabis seeds reserved for cultivation, and three unlicensed hunting rifles,” Saidyba said.
Providing details on the suspects, he reported that 35-year-old Abdoulie Sonko was found in possession of thirteen bags containing 165 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa and eleven gallons of suspected cannabis seeds. Additionally, two unlicensed hunting guns were discovered at his residence.
“39-year-old Edrisa Sonko was apprehended with nine bundles of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in a blue plastic container. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Alagie Jammeh and 35-year-old Modou Sanyang were each arrested with three bundles of suspected cannabis sativa,” Saidyba added.
He further disclosed that 40-year-old Desere Sanyang and Duwa Badjie were arrested for the joint possession of eight bags containing suspected cannabis sativa. In addition, Desere Sanyang was found in possession of an unlicensed hunting gun.
The arrests continued with 49-year-old Yusupha Sonko, who was caught with one bundle, one parcel, and some quantities of suspected cannabis sativa, while 50-year-old Nfally Nyassi was detained for possessing one parcel and additional quantities of the substance.
Saidyba also revealed that operatives discovered one bag containing nine smaller bags of suspected cannabis sativa and two twenty-liter gallons of cannabis seeds at a cashew farm.
“The three unlicensed hunting guns that were seized were handed over to GPF’s Sibanor Station for further investigations and necessary actions,” he concluded.
The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
