The Gambia's Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has foiled a major suspected drug trafficking operation at Banjul International Airport, arresting two foreign nationals. The suspects, a 26-year-old Spanish national and a 24-year-old Argentinian, were arrested on September 28, 2026. They were found in possession of 11,771 ecstasy pills and 18 big stones of suspected crystal methamphetamine. The suspected drugs were concealed in a pink-coloured and a black-coloured suitcase.
According to Dawda Sanyang, Public Relations Officer of DLEAG, the seizure is part of intensified nationwide operations targeting the dealing, trafficking, possession, and abuse of cannabis and other controlled substances. The operations aim to disrupt illicit drug networks and prevent the circulation of prohibited substances. The agency has been working to protect communities, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
A total of 21 suspected drug offenders were arrested during the period under review. The suspects comprise 18 Gambians, one Sierra Leonean, one Spanish national, and one Argentinian. Of the 21 suspects, 19 are male and two are female, with their ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. The arrests were recorded across several parts of the country, including the West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipality, Upper River Region, and Central River Region.
Among the other arrests was 22-year-old Omar Jarju of Kerewan, who was arrested on September 23 with three stones of suspected crack cocaine. On the same date, 21-year-old Abdoulie Ceesay, also a resident of Kerewan, was arrested with two stones of suspected crack cocaine and one wrap of suspected cannabis sativa. The Agency also reported multiple arrests involving suspected cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis (skunk), kush, hashish, and suspected molly.
Further arrests were made in various locations, including Gunjur, Babylon, Kololi, Basse Kabbakama, Brikamaba, Musa Kunda, Siffoe, and Bakau. On September 30, 29-year-old Seedy Conteh of Old Jeshwang was arrested with 61 pieces of suspected kush. Additionally, 33-year-old Dodou Jagne of Dippa Kunda was arrested with 27 sachets of suspected cannabis ruderalis and five wraps of suspected kush.
Sanyang stated that the operations underscore DLEAG's determination to disrupt illicit drug networks and protect communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse. The agency will continue to strengthen collaboration with communities, institutions, and other stakeholders through public awareness, prevention, and community engagement initiatives.
All 21 suspects are currently in custody while further investigations into their respective matters continue. The DLEAG's efforts aim to prevent the circulation of prohibited substances and protect communities, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of drug abuse. The agency's public awareness and community engagement initiatives will continue to play a crucial role in the fight against drug trafficking.
Key points
- The DLEAG seized 11,771 ecstasy pills and 18 stones of suspected crystal methamphetamine from two foreign nationals at Banjul International Airport.
- A total of 21 suspected drug offenders were arrested across the country, comprising 18 Gambians, one Sierra Leonean, one Spanish national, and one Argentinian.
- The DLEAG's operations aim to disrupt illicit drug networks, prevent the circulation of prohibited substances, and protect communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
