Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A man from Abuko has been arrested at the Mile 2 Central Prison after allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into the country’s main correctional facility.

Amadou Tijan Sowe was detained on Friday, 27 February, while delivering food provisions to a remand inmate. According to prison authorities, routine security screening of the items led to the discovery of 22 wraps of a suspected prohibited substance locally known as “Kush” concealed inside packets of noodles.

Officers immediately took Mr. Sowe into custody and subsequently handed him over to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) for further investigation. He is expected to face charges under The Gambia’s drug control legislation.

In a statement, the prison’s Public Relations Officer said the arrest reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance and prevent contraband from entering correctional facilities.

“The Prison Authorities, in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, remain committed to the fight against drug trafficking and maintaining security and order within all correctional facilities across the country,” the statement read.

Authorities also issued a warning to the public against attempting to smuggle prohibited items into prisons.

“We wish to issue a stern warning to members of the public that any attempt to smuggle prohibited items into prison facilities is a serious offense and will be met with the full force of the law,” the statement added.

While DLEAG has not yet issued a separate comment on the case, prison officials urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

The arrest comes amid heightened vigilance across Gambian prisons, where previous smuggling attempts have prompted tighter screening protocols for visitors and goods delivered to inmates.