Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a series of coordinated operations, the Drug and Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has made significant strides in its ongoing battle against drug trafficking and related offenses. Between the 18th and 22nd of July 2024, multiple arrests were made across various regions, resulting in the seizure of substantial quantities of illegal substances and the detention of numerous suspects.

Arrests and Seizures

On the 18th of July, 26-year-old Musa Ceesay, a businessman from Salaji, was apprehended by the Kanifing DLEAG station at Brusubi around 19:37 GMT. Ceesay was found with 50 pills of ecstasy concealed in a transparent nylon bag within his trousers pocket. On the same day, two other residents of Kotu, 29-year-old Ebrima Gassama and 26-year-old Omar Janneh, were arrested at Tipper Garage around 21:15 GMT with 250 ecstasy pills. Gassama faced a second arrest at Kotu at 22:08 GMT with an additional 122 pills.

The crackdown continued on the 19th of July with the arrest of 25-year-old Alagie Bojang, an electrician from Farato, by the Serrekunda DLEAG station. Bojang was found with 15 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa in a yellow nylon bag. On the same day, Matarr Saye, a 19-year-old mechanic from Pipeline, was detained with 14 wraps of cannabis sativa.

The Farafenni DLEAG apprehended 29-year-old Muhammed Jawla on the 20th of July at 01:44 GMT with 10 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa. Additionally, the Brusubi DLEAG station arrested 25-year-old Ebrima K. Saho from Latri Kunda Sabiji around 09:22 GMT. Saho had 48 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, 12 pieces of hashish, 17 wraps of skunk, and 4 wraps of Molly.

The Kanifing DLEAG station, in a late-night operation on the 20th of July, detained 34-year-old driver Manjarra Fatty from Faraba Bantang. Fatty was caught with 2 ecstasy pills and a live round concealed in a blue paper and a transparent nylon bag.

On the 21st of July, the Barra DLEAG station arrested Sainey Manneh, a student from Tujereng, at the Barra Ferry Terminal around 18:30 GMT with a bundle of suspected cannabis sativa in a cement paper inside a black school bag. The same day, Saico Umaru Balde, a 45-year-old Portuguese residing in Wulinkama, was apprehended by the Kanifing DLEAG station at 23:50 GMT with 3 blocks of suspected cocaine in transparent and multi-colored nylon bags.

A significant arrest on the 22nd of July involved a 17-year-old alleged child offender from Brikama, who was found at the Barra Ferry Terminal with 4 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa in cement papers inside a dark blue school bag.

Joint Operations and Additional Arrests

In a joint operation on the 20th of July, four residents of Faraba Bantang—24-year-old Adama Bah, 29-year-old Abdoulie Fatty, 26-year-old Ebrima Wally, and 27-year-old Mafugi Sanyang—were detained for obstructing officers during the execution of their duties.

Continued Investigations

All suspects are currently in custody as DLEAG continues its investigations. The agency remains committed to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and security of The Gambia. The recent arrests highlight the importance of community cooperation and vigilance in the fight against illicit drug activities.