Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a ruling that underscored the gravity of drug-related offenses, the High Court has convicted Assan Badjie for possessing cannabis, sentencing him to a fine of 250,000 Dalasis or, failing payment, two years in prison with hard labor.

The court, presided over by Justice S. Wadda Cisse, also ordered the confiscation and destruction of the cannabis seized, along with the forfeiture of 19,365 Dalasis discovered in Badjie’s residence during the arrest.

Delivering judgment, Justice Cisse highlighted the far-reaching impact of drug abuse, particularly on the nation’s youth. “The offense involving prohibited drugs is not only an offense against society but is also an offense that has devastating ramifications on our society, especially the youths,” she said.

“The exposure of our youths to drug abuse is a clear manifestation of a society whose youths are destroyed and susceptible to becoming criminals to feed their addictive behavior. It is a menace that threatens the peace, tranquility and stability of our beloved nation and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”

While noting that Badjie is considered a first-time offender in this case, Justice Cisse pointed out that he is currently facing trial in another drug-related matter.

“Although the presumption of innocence is constitutional and sacrosanct, it cannot be a mere coincidence for the accused to be involved in another trial involving prohibited drugs,” she remarked.

In determining the sentence, Justice Cisse stressed the importance of deterrence, noting that the punishment should send a clear message to both the offender and society at large.

“One of the essences of a sentence is to send a clear message of deterrence to both the convict and society at large,” she explained. “The sentence that the court should impose must serve as a strong deterrent to the convict and to people like him and also protect society from such a menace.”

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency has been tasked with ensuring the destruction of the confiscated cannabis and the forfeiture of the cash found during the search.