By Mustapha Jallow
The Gambia Police Force on Saturday announced the interception of a yellow pickup truck belonging to the United Democratic Party (UDP) for allegedly carrying suspected cannabis.
The interception was made by a unit recently instituted by the Police High Command called “Operation Zero Crime’’ aimed at tackling crimes in the country.
The unit consists of personnel from the Police and other sister security forces such as The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Immigration Department, Prisons Service, Fire and Rescue Service.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent (Spt.) Lamin Njie confirmed the story, saying the suspect has been taken into custody.
He explained that on 17th April 2021, a patrol Team of Bundung Division , during night patrols intercepted a yellow pickup truck belonging to the United Democratic Party and driven by a resident (name withheld) of Sukuta.
“The driver failed to stop for checking resulting to his immediate pursue. While evading security check, he caused considerable damage to the patrol vehicle,” Njie said.
But Njie added that evidence of suspected cannabis was found in the vehicle leading to the arrest of the driver.
Police PRO Njie went on to say since it is a drug related matter, the case has been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the Gambia for further actions.
Meanwhile, according to him, the Traffic Department of the Police is assessing the damage caused to the patrol vehicle.
Meanwhile, commenting on the drug matter, the Public Relations Officer for Drug Law Enforcement Agency The Gambia (DLEAG), Ousman Saidybah, confirmed the handing over of the suspect to them. He added the suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of prohibited drugs (suspected cannabis to be specific).
Saidybah added that the suspect was handed over with four wraps of suspected cannabis found in a black cross bag and some particles of suspected cannabis found in the car after it was searched in his presence.
He explained that officers are probing into the matter as well as continuing with post seizure measures as provided for in the Drug Control Act 2003 Revised Laws of The Gambia.
