Drug Law Enforcement Agency Intensifies Crackdown on Illicit Substances
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has announced the arrest
of thirty-three (33) suspects in a coordinated operation targeting drug trafficking and
abuse across multiple regions. The accused individuals, all Gambian nationals, range in
age from 17 to 46 years old and include thirty-one (31) males and two (2) females, with
two classified as Alleged Child Offenders (ACO).
According to DLEAG, the arrests took place between August 2nd and August 11th, 2026,
with operations spanning the West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipality, Central River
Region, Banjul, North Bank Region, and Lower River Region. Fifteen suspects were
apprehended in the West Coast Region, ten in Kanifing Municipality, four in the Central
River Region, two in Banjul, and one each in the North Bank and Lower River Regions.
They also mention that the operatives confiscated various prohibited substances,
including cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis (skunk), cannabis resin (hashish), kush,
crack cocaine, ecstasy, and molly.
Those arrested includes Musa Jaw, 22, who was arrested at Banjul Ferry Terminal with
119 pieces of suspected skunk on August 8th. Omar Jatta, 36, from Busumbala, was
apprehended with 53 pieces of suspected kush on August 3rd. Alieu Sallah, 25, from
Tanji was arrested with 6 parcels, 159 wraps, and quantities of cannabis sativa on
August 2nd. Osai Jallow, 25, from Brikama, was caught with 22 pieces of suspected
crack cocaine and skunk on August 7th. Ramatoulie Samba, 19, was arrested at Mile II
Central Prison on August 11th while visiting a cousin, with skunk and kush concealed in
a bag containing sugar, toothpaste, and deodorant. Njaga Faal, 28, and Haddy Njie, 25,
both from London Corner, were arrested together with 3 blocks of suspected hashish on
August 6th.
Moreover, this operation represents a strategic initiative by DLEAG to combat the
growing drug situation, particularly focusing on cannabis trafficking and abuse, along
with other illicit substances. The agency’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to
disrupting drug networks operating throughout the country.
DLEAG also mentioned that other suspects include individuals from various
communities, including Serrekunda, Brikama, Busumbala, Lamin, Brusubi, Banjul,
Bansang, Jambur, Wellingara, Kassum, Tanji, Soma, Bakau, Kunkujang, Sanyang, and
Latri Kunda.
In the same vein, two 17-year-old alleged child offenders were also apprehended—one
from Kassum with 40 ecstasy pills and another from Tanji with 27 wraps of cannabis
sativa.
All suspects are said to remain in custody as investigations continue. DLEAG has not
indicated when the accused will appear in court, as authorities continue gathering
evidence and building cases against those arrested.
The agency has urged the public to report suspicious drug activities and continues its
campaign against substance abuse, emphasizing the dangers these drugs pose to
individuals, families, and communities across The Gambia.
