By Makutu Manneh
Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency-The Gambia (DLEA-G) stationed at the Banjul International Airport have impounded fifty-four blocks of cocaine during the weekend.
The first seizure was done on Saturday 29th June 2024, during the departure of Vueling flight number VY 7575 to Barcelona, Spain, when four Portuguese women with thirty blocks of cocaine weighing 33kg, 600g, were arrested. The suspects are Cabral RoelVilma, Tavares Mendes Miriam Maria, Dos Santos Furtado Ana Patricia and Almada Martins SimaraNadiny.
On Sunday, 30 June 2024, a British named Mark James Robinson was also arrested with 24 blocks of cocaine weighing 27kg 300g in his checked-in luggage. Mark was said to be travelling to London’s Heathrow Airport via Istanbul, with Turkish Airlines.
“Both interceptions are supported by a highly coordinated intelligence-led action. This goes to demonstrate the vigorous counter-narcotic interdiction mechanism at the Banjul International Airport. This wave of seizures does not only manifest our effectiveness, but it is also an indication of the scale of the threat of international drug trafficking through the West African Corridor,” the release stated.
It further stated that these seizures are yet again a confirmation of the immense pressure the West Africa Region is under, as one of the most used transit points for cocaine.
DLEA-G said the resilience of the regional law enforcement community is impressively frustrating the operations of international drug trafficking organizations operating on this route.
“The seizure is a disruption in the supply chain saving millions of lives in destination countries, and the Gambia like other West African States remains vulnerable to the activities of these criminal organizations,” the release stated, adding that successes in both the air and sea are a clear testament of the Government’s commitment and unreserved political will to confront criminals of all sorts and bring them to justice.
Over the years, DLEAG has been empowered by the requisite budgetary support to effectively enforce the stringent drug laws of the country.”
