By Nelson Manneh
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has arrested twenty-three people in connection with drug-related offenses within just one week. Among the suspects are twenty-two Gambians and one Senegalese national.
Ousman Saidyba, Public Relations Officer of DLEAG, said the Senegalese suspect, a 20-year-old man, was arrested in Jakaoi Paima Village in the West Coast Region. He was found with 86 bundles and one parcel of cannabis sativa, two stones of hashish, and 40 ecstasy pills.
During the weeklong operation, officers seized large amounts of different drugs. These included cannabis sativa in bundles, parcels, wraps, and other quantities; cannabis resin (also known as hashish) in stones, pieces, and wraps; skunk cannabis stored in a medical plastic bag and wraps; Kush in several wraps; as well as ecstasy pills and Molly wraps.
Saidyba said DLEAG filed five new drug-related cases during the week. Four of these were for possession of prohibited drugs, while one was for drug trafficking—all under the Drug Control Act of 2003.
He also noted that the agency secured convictions in seven separate cases. Four were for drug possession and three for drug trafficking. The cases were concluded in courts across the country, including the Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama, and Bundung Magistrates’ Courts.
According to Saidyba, the agency remains committed to tackling the illegal drug trade and protecting communities from its harmful effects. He added that with the growing presence of high-grade synthetic drugs like ecstasy, Molly, and Kush, DLEAG is adjusting its operations to stay ahead of traffickers and bring offenders to justice.
