The charges, detailed in the Amended Information filed on 30 December 2022, included conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, aggravated drug trafficking, and multiple counts of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Act, 2012.
Keita and Njie were charged with conspiracy and according to particulars of the offence, the duo conspired between 2020 and January 2021 to import nearly three tonnes of cocaine into The Gambia, specifically 2,952kg and 850g, an offence that carries severe penalties under Gambian law.
The second count accused them of aggravated drug trafficking for possessing the same quantity of cocaine at the Gambia Ports Authority premises in Banjul on 7 January 2021.
Keita was also charged with six separate counts of money laundering, relating to his acquisition of properties and assets in Fajara, Bijilo, and Banjul between 2015 and 2021, including an apartment, lease property, a Range Rover, a Volkswagen Beetle registered in Njie’s name, and a white Doral Ibiza speedboat with a 250-horsepower engine. In addition, he was accused of operating bank accounts in the names of companies Circuit Long Trading and Banjul Circuit Trading, and transferring USD 21,350 to Ecuador for the purchase of industrial salt and drugs, knowing the funds were from unlawful activities.
During the trial, which was conducted in Keita’s absence, Senior Counsel Sheriff M. Tambadou represented him. Keita denied all charges.
The prosecution presented 11 witnesses and several exhibits, while the defence called one witness. Sheriff Njie was discharged following a successful no-case submission by his lawyer.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Mboob emphasised the serious and dehumanising nature of drug trafficking, highlighting its impact on society and the country’s image. She noted that despite the gravity of the offences, Keita appeared to be a first-time offender who had not benefitted from distributing the drugs and had expressed remorse, which influenced the court to exercise some measure of leniency.
The court invoked Section 29(2) and (3) of the Criminal Code in imposing the fine and prison sentence, urging Keita to use the opportunity for reflection, rehabilitation, and to strive to become a responsible citizen.
Following the judgment, the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the court of the State’s intention to appeal against the judgment, prompting the court to impose bail conditions to ensure Keita’s attendance during the appeal process. Bail was set at D50,000,000 with two Gambian sureties owning landed property valued at no less than D50,000,000.
The court declined the defence’s request to allow payment of the fine in six monthly installment.
