By Mariama Jallow
Operatives of the country’s anti-narcotics body have recently nabbed 30 people found with suspected illicit drug called Cannabis.
According to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), the arrested suspects were found with more than 240 kgs of cannabis from difference locations within the West Coast Region as part of the agency operational activities during the 4th quarter of 2019 and the beginning of 1st quarter of 2020.
The suspects are currently under the custody of the narcotics officers as investigations into the matter continues, the DLEAG revealed.
The drug bust, according to DLEAG officials, is the biggest cannabis seizure in 2020.
Officers of the Anti-Crime Unit of The Gambia Police Force during its patrol have also seized about 82 kgs of cannabis, it was revealed.
Four out of the 30 suspects arrested, are believed to be Senegalese nationals; and the Agency’s operatives are also hunting two other suspects who eluded their pursuers during the process.
DLEAG Commissioner in the West Coast Region, Mr. Mawlud Faal, speaking on the incident, called for concerted efforts in eradicating the menace of drug trafficking and its related-issues in the country. He said the arrests were effected at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020.
DLEAG, Faal vowed, is prepared well in ensuring that drug trafficking and related organised crimes are completely wiped out in the country. But he charged that all hands must be on desk in ensuring that the Agency achieves its objectives.
Commissioner Faal disclosed that some suspects were arrested in Sibanor, Kalagi and other places in the WCR.
The Spokesperson of DLEAG, Mr.Ousman Saidybah, clarified that the cases presented related to operations within the West Coast Region that resulted to the seizure of over 300 kgs of cannabis Sativa within hot spot area in the region.
PRO Saidybah hailed the partnership between the different security apparatus in the country, in their efforts to combat drug and its related issues.
He stated, “Criminals have no border and boundaries and they have no restriction, hence their operations and activities must be dismantled.”
The Agency’s mouthpiece further cautioned compound and vehicle owners to be mindful of the kind of people that they give their vehicles to, as some are using the vehicle for transporting cannabis, among others.
He warned that such vehicles could be forfeited to State, adding you invest lot of money to have your compound or commercial vehicle only to give it to a notorious person who is involved in unwanted issues.
The peace, security and stability of the country, Saidybah reminded, is the responsibility of every citizen, thus it must not be compromised.
He held: “We’re safe and secure as much as our communities are safe and secured. If our communities are not safe and secure, then as well we’re not secure too.”
He lamented that Cannabis remains a threat, and therefore, it’s important Gambians join hands together to fight the menace because “it’s a risky behaviours”.
The PRO revealed that majority of cannabis that come into the Gambia are from the southern Cassamace region of Senegal.
“Investigations are ongoing and those that are found wanting will be taken to court,” the anti-narcotics Agency spokesman stated.
