Ousman Saidybah, the spokesperson of the narcotics agency, who was contacted for comments, has confirmed the development, saying: “On Friday 21st October 2022 around 15:35 hours GMT onwards, operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) registered another significant seizure of cocaine and other assortment of controlled and prohibited drugs involving four Nigerians and three Gambians.
“The seizure sequels the apprehension of five (5) Sierra Leoneans and a Gambian National arrested with seven hundred and thirty-four (734) blocks of cocaine weighing eight hundred and forty kilograms three hundred grams (840 kilograms 300 grams) on 28 September 2022 at Salaji. Three other Sierra Leonean nationals were also clutched at London Corner, Kanifing Municipality, with some quantities of cocaine on 8 October 2022 around 17:10 hours GMT onwards.
“Harriet Seymon, Ikem Udejiofor, Chinaza Eleodimuo and Modou Tijan Bah, Awa Njai and Musa Corr were apprehended in Kololi on the 21st October 2022 around 15:35 hours GMT onwards with three (3) blocks of cocaine. One block was concealed in a lady’s bag and the remaining two blocks were hidden under the carpet of the rear seat of a Citroen vehicle with registration number KM 9102 D. The said commercial vehicle was being used as a means of conveyance.”
He explained further: “Further probing into the matter led to additional seizure of two (2) wraps of cocaine, nine (9) wraps of cannabis resin (Hashish) and one hundred and thirteen (113) tablets of controlled drugs at Brikama Garage in Serekunda on the same day around 17:10 hours GMT onwards. Another Nigerian in the person of Charles Thomas was also taken into custody in connection with the matter. All suspects connected to the matter were taken in custody as operatives further probe into the matter.
He said public participation in the form of reporting suspicious criminal-related activities contributed immensely to dismantling criminal syndicates. Therefore, he calls on the public to remain alert and report suspicious drugs and criminal-related activities to law enforcement officers.
Saidybah continued: “In the same vein, we take this opportunity to put the drug trafficking syndicate on alert. Let it be clear that we remain determined to fulfill our mandate without fear, favour or ill will. We will not relent nor get tired or falter in our quest to keep our communities safe and secure.
“As it has been manifested in our recent seizures, DLEAG will continue to make follow-up investigations on every single hard drug seized to trace the source of such drugs. We will also continue to further probe into the illicit financial flows to ensure that we seriously dampen the financial muscle that serves as strong motivation of illicit drug traffickers and their patrons.”
