Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Paulo Djabi, along with his wife Nadine Ismael de Gouveira Pereira and Mamadu Neto Djabi, have been charged with twenty-one criminal counts related to drug trafficking and money laundering. This development comes eight months after Djabi was released on bail.

The charges against the accused stem from various activities alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2023, primarily involving the trafficking and possession of prohibited substances and extensive money laundering operations.

Drug-Related Charges

Counts one through eight involve violations of the Drug Control Act. Specifically, Paulo and Nadine were allegedly found with MDMA, also known as ecstasy, at their Fajara Waterfront apartment in Kanifing Municipality on August 27, 2023. The amounts seized included 1 gram 670 mg gross weight and 1 gram 220 mg net weight of MDMA, as well as four bottles of Amphetamine.

Additionally, the couple is charged with possession of drug-related paraphernalia, such as pipes and other utensils used for smoking and inhaling drugs. Mamadu Neto Djabi faces similar charges after being found with 3 grams 450 mg gross weight and 2 grams 990 mg net weight of MDMA.

Money Laundering Allegations

The remaining counts, nine through twenty-one, pertain to violations of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Act, 2012. The prosecution alleges that between 2021 and 2023, Paulo Djabi and Nadine Ismael de Gouveira Pereira engaged in extensive money laundering operations. The couple is accused of entering The Gambia with more than $7,500 USD without proper disclosure to customs officials.

The money laundering activities reportedly involved the purchase of numerous properties and vehicles, with Paulo Djabi alone accused of buying fifteen vehicles and three motorbikes. Specific transactions include the acquisition of properties at Fajara Waterfront, Kololi Sands, Baraka Estate, and Forest View Apartment, with sums ranging from $50,762.62 to $1,694,000 USD.

The prosecution has lined up ten witnesses, including a real estate dealer, to testify against the accused. The case highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and money laundering in The Gambia, underscoring the legal system’s commitment to addressing such serious offences.

The defendants are expected to appear in court soon, where they will face the full weight of the allegations against them. If convicted, they could face severe penalties under Gambian law.