By Nelson Manneh
Agents of The Gambia Police Force (GPF) have taken into custody, three Sierra Leonean nationals for allegedly being in possession of significant quantities of prohibited and controlled drugs.
The spokesperson of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency-the Gambia (DLEA-G) Mr. Ousman Saidyba, said 23 year old Mohamed Conteh, an online promoter; 23 year old Mohamed Kamara, a laborer and 24 year old Isha Kamara, a business woman, were arrested in Latrikunda Saibiji on the 16th of March 2024, with four multi-colored nylon bags containing suspected ‘kush’ and five hundred and ninety five tablets of suspected ecstasy. He said the quantity of ‘kush’ seized is currently the single biggest seizure of the new drug ever registered in the country as certificates show that the cumulative quantity is above 2 kilograms. He said the trio will be charged for prohibited drug trafficking and related offenses pursuant to Section 43 of the DCA 2003.
“Pending the outcome of further investigations into the matter, the suspects could be charged for dealing in prohibited drugs contrary to Section 33; dealing in controlled drugs contrary to Section 34 as well as conspiracy, attempt, aiding and abetting contrary to Section 53 of the DCA 2003,” Mr. Saidybah said. He said the suspects have been handed over to agents of DLEA-G for further investigation and post seizure measures as provided for in Section 74, and for scientific analysis pursuant to Section 75 and 76 respectively and the eventual prosecution pursuant to Section 133 of the DCA 2003.
“We are using this opportunity to call on the public to remain vigilant and join the bandwagon in the crusade on drugs. The safety and security of our children, youth and society should be our collective responsibility. Therefore, we must be willing and ready to share information on suspicious drugs and criminal related activities to law enforcement entities. Collectively, we can make a difference and make our respective communities safe, secure and drug free,” he noted.
