The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia has arrested 31 people during a nationwide anti-narcotics operation that led to the seizure of several illicit drugs, including cannabis, hashish, ecstasy and MDMA. The operation, conducted between 21 June and 5 July, targeted multiple locations across Kanifing Municipality, the West Coast Region, Banjul, the North Bank Region and the Upper River Region as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse.
According to the agency, those arrested include 29 Gambian nationals, one Senegalese citizen, one Sierra Leonean woman, 30 men, one woman and a 16-year-old minor. Authorities said officers recovered quantities of cannabis sativa, skunk, hashish, kush, ecstasy and MDMA, commonly known as Molly. Among the suspects named by the agency are Lamin Sanyang, Kebba Jarju, Sulayman Sanyang and Alieu Jallow. Senegalese national Omar Jow was arrested at the Mbollet-elle checkpoint on 25 June during one of the operations.
The DLEAG said additional raids carried out between 3 and 5 July, including operations in Kololi and surrounding communities, resulted in further arrests and the confiscation of illegal drugs. All suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. The agency said those found to have violated the country’s drug laws will face prosecution in accordance with Gambian legislation. The latest operation forms part of the DLEAG’s ongoing campaign to combat drug trafficking, organised crime and substance abuse, which authorities say remain significant security and public health challenges in The Gambia.
