Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The Director General of The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has sought an audience with Chief Justice Hassan Jallow following a mix-up in the handling of exhibits in a criminal case.
In a letter, which content leaked to various media platforms, and addressed to the Chief Justice, the Deputy Director of the DLEAG referenced an approval from the Chief Justice’s office for the weighment and collection of exhibits in the case of DLEAG vs. HAMET SALL, criminal case NO: KMC/DLEA/23/2023 at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.
A team of Narcotic Control officers led by the Director of Operations, Mr. Mawlud Faal, was dispatched on January 11, 2024, for the collection of the exhibits from the Registrar at Kanifing Magistrates Court, Mr. Ridwan Oathman.
However, upon verification of the exhibits, the officer in charge of the Exhibit Management Unit made several observations:
– The concealment methods of the drugs had changed, as they were found in two suitcases (pink and black in color) instead of two brown boxes (each box containing 26 blocks of cocaine).
– There were discrepancies in the numbering of the blocks of cocaine, with numbers 27, 37, and 52 being repeated, and number 51 missing.
A preliminary test conducted by the DLEAG’s Scientific Unit following the extraction of samples from all the blocks of cocaine yielded inconclusive results. As a result, all samples were recommended for analysis at the Central Laboratory Drug Analysis Unit in Kotu.
The analysis at the Central Laboratory Drug Analysis Unit indicated that some sample blocks did not contain cocaine, while others tested positive for the substance.
Due to these developments, the exhibits were not collected and remain at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. The Director General expressed concern over the situation and requested an audience with the Chief Justice to discuss and resolve the matter.
The Deputy Director assured the Chief Justice of highest consideration and fraternal esteem while awaiting a response.
The mix-up in the handling of exhibits raises questions about the integrity of the evidence and the procedures followed in the case. The Director General’s request for an audience with the Chief Justice reflects the seriousness of the issue and the need for a swift resolution.
