By Nelson Manneh
As part of efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse, operatives of The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) conducted a sting operation that led to the arrest of three individuals and the discovery of nine cannabis plantations between Kunjenjeh and Kanilai village in Foni, in the West Coast Region of the Gambia.
According to Mr. Ousman Saidyba, the Public Relations Officer of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the operation began on the 5 of October 2024, with DLEAG operatives uncovering eight cannabis farms. He said a backup team from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) later identified an additional farm, acknowledging the support provided by the Inspector General of Police, the Office of AIG Operations, the PIU, and the Chief of Defense Staff, whose logistical assistance contributed to the operation’s outcome. He said the suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue into their case.
In another separate operation, Saidyba said DLEAG operatives arrested Alfred John Francis, an American national residing in Sifoe village on the 30 of September 2024, with nine cannabis plantations, two parcels, and two wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, and said he is presently in custody pending further investigation.
“DLEAG reminds the public that cultivating plantations from which prohibited or controlled drugs are derived, is a violation of Section 36 of the Drug Control Act 2003. Section 31 (1) (a) specifically prohibits the cultivation of cannabis, coca bush, opium poppy, or any other prohibited drug, while Section 31 (1) (b) prohibits the manufacture, acquisition, and or supply of such drugs,” he warns.
He said offenders of the aforesaid laws are liable to fines of not less than D300,000 for individuals and D1,000,000 for corporate bodies.
