The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has conducted a nationwide enforcement operation, arresting 51 suspected drug offenders. The operation involved the seizure of various prohibited and controlled drugs, including suspected cannabis, kush, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, and crystal meth. According to DLEAG Public Relations Officer Dawda Sanyang, the arrests were made across five operational areas.
The suspects, comprising 48 Gambians and three Senegalese nationals, are aged between 16 and 42. Of the total, 50 are males and one is female. An alleged 16-year-old child offender is also among those arrested. The breakdown of the arrests by region is as follows: 30 suspects were apprehended in the West Coast Region, 12 in the Kanifing Municipality, five in the North Bank Region, three in Banjul, and one in the Central River Region.
Among the notable cases highlighted by the agency are the arrests of Alagie Njie, 31, of Bakau, and Yasaye Ndure, 31, of Bijilo. They were apprehended on October 26, 2026, at the Banjul Post Office with five parcels of suspected cannabis ruderalis, commonly known as skunk, concealed in a breadcrumb tin inside a carton. Another suspect, Kebba Mbye, 42, of Kololi, was arrested on October 27 with two stones and three pieces of suspected crack cocaine allegedly concealed in a yellow nylon bag inside his trousers.
The agency also reported the arrest of Yaya Kebbeh, 23, of Serrekunda, on October 17, with 49 pills of suspected ecstasy. Antouman Gaye, 41, of Kololi, was arrested on October 20 with six pieces of suspected crack cocaine and two small bags of suspected ecstasy. Other arrests involved suspected cannabis and kush in various quantities. Saikou Sanyang, 28, of Tanji, was arrested on October 20 with 51 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa and 81 pieces of suspected kush.
In a separate case on October 28, Ousman Saidy, 34, and Ismaila Darboe, 36, both residents of Tanji, were arrested in connection with suspected cannabis and kush. The reported exhibits included 93 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa and 85 pieces of suspected kush, alongside an additional bundle and five wraps of suspected cannabis. The agency also reported arrests involving suspected cannabis resin, commonly known as hashish, and suspected crystal meth in different locations across the country.
Meanwhile, three men - Seedy Sonko, 33, Ebrima Gibba, 27, and Hadim Sonko, 24 - all residents of Pirang, were arrested on October 14 for allegedly obstructing DLEAG officers while they were carrying out their duties during the arrest of Muhammed Camara. DLEAG has warned members of the public against obstructing, interfering with, or preventing its officers from performing their lawful duties.
The agency urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement officers and use the appropriate legal channels to report any alleged misconduct rather than resorting to confrontation. The operations form part of DLEAG's continued efforts to combat drug dealing, trafficking, possession, and related offences, safeguard public health, and promote a safer, drug-free Gambia. All 51 suspects remain in custody as investigations into their respective cases continue.
Key points
- The Gambia's DLEAG arrested 51 suspected drug offenders in a nationwide crackdown on prohibited and controlled drugs.
- The suspects, aged between 16 and 42, were arrested across five operational areas, with 30 suspects apprehended in the West Coast Region.
- The agency warned the public against obstructing its officers and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement.
