The Deputy Speaker was speaking on Thursday during a consultation meeting with relevant stakeholders.
He said they had engaged the ministries of Defence, the Interior, the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Drug Law Enforcement Agency The Gambia (DLEAG) and the National Security Adviser.
Speaking to the stakeholder state institutions, the Deputy Speaker said: “The Standing Committee is deeply concerned about the alarming escalation of crime and the rampant trade and circulation of illicit drugs, especially the deadly Kush, which continues to plague our nation, for all the negative reasons.”
He dilated on the issue: “Today, we convene to address these pressing security challenges, ranging from murder cases, break-ins, etc, that threaten the lives, sanity and well-being of our citizens and residents.
“Recent trends suggest that The Gambia serves as a farming, transit and storage hub for various illicit substances, including Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Resin (commonly known as hashish), Skunk Cannabis, Kush, Cocaine, Tramadol, and Ecstasy. Some of these substances, originating from both source countries and neighboring regions, infiltrate our borders through various channels, including sea, land, and air routes. This illicit trade not only perpetuates criminal networks but also poses a significant risk to our national security, safety and stability.”
He added: “We will all agree that the rate at which crimes are committed in our nation is alarming, with a disturbing surge in killings, murders, robberies, aggravated assaults, and attacks on the lives and property of ordinary and hardworking civilians.”
He alluded also that these “reprehensible” acts not only shatter lives but also “erode the trust and cohesion” within communities in The Gambia.
“The rise in such atrocities demands our urgent attention and decisive action. Furthermore, the proliferation of illicit drugs within our communities poses a grave threat, particularly to our youth. The unregulated circulation of these substances fuels addiction, destroys lives, and tears families apart,” the Deputy Speaker said, calling for a firm action to fighting the menace for the security and sanctity of the nation.
“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this menace. In response to these challenges, we, as a committee, would want to call upon all stakeholders, particularly our esteemed security agencies, to redouble your efforts in safeguarding not only the security but also the sanctity of the nation. The Gambia Police Force, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Intelligence Agency, the Armed Forces, and all other security units must intensify their vigilance and cooperation to stem the tide of crime and drug trafficking.”
He also urged the Gambia Police Force, to enhance their investigative capacities, strengthen community policing initiatives, and ensure swift and impartial justice for victims. “Your role in maintaining law and order is paramount, and we rely on your steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law,” he spurs the security forces.
He as well emphasised the importance of collaborative approach in addressing these challenges. “We must foster greater coordination and information sharing among all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the private sector,” he said, adding: “Together, we can leverage our collective resources and expertise to confront these threats effectively.”
