The suspects are currently under the custody of the narcotics agency as investigation into the matter continues.
Officials said the operation which started on the 5th of October resulted in the initial discovery of eight farms by DLEAG operatives and subsequently the discovery of another farm by a back up support team from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU).
Ousman Saidybah, the spokesperson of the agency, who was contacted for comments, confirmed the development, saying the DLEAG will leave no stone unturned in their quest to make the country free from drugs and other clandestine activities.
“The Management of the agency wishes to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Office of AIG operations and the PIU back up team for their support and selfless service towards the success of the operation. Similar thanks and appreciation is extended to the Chief of Defence Staff, who, on a short notice, mobilised necessary logistical support for the operation.”
“The level of commitment and support rendered by various security apparatus evidently shows that if we collaboratively pool our resources and work together, we can make giant strides in the crusade on illicit drugs and all forms of criminality and criminal related behaviour. Equally, the swift response of sister security services shows that recent engagement of the DG upon assuming the mantle of leadership of the Agency is paying dividends.”
In a similar but separate development, he said, “operatives conducted a similar sting operation that resulted in the arrest of one Alfred John Francis, an American National and a resident of Sifoe.”
“Again, DLEAG operatives on the 30 of September 2024 seized nine plantations, two parcels and two wraps of suspected cannabis sativa from his residence at Sifoe village in the West Coast Region. He was also taken to custody while further investigations into his matter continue.”
“Taking into consideration the recent trends in the seizure of cannabis farms and plantations from individuals at diverse locations across the country, we want to make it clear that it is illegal for any individual to plant any form of plantation from which a prohibited or controlled drugs can be obtained as such action violates section 36 of the Drug Control Act 2003,” Saidybah emphasised.
“Equally, section 31 (1) (a) prohibits operators and by extension individuals from cultivating cannabis plant, coco bush, opium puppy or any other form of prohibited or controlled drug that is capable of being cultivated while sub (1) (b) prohibits the manufacturing, acquiring or supplying prohibited or controlled drugs.”
“Any person found wanting in violation of the aforementioned provisions of the DCA 2003 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than three hundred thousand dalasis (D300,000.00) for an individual and not less than one million dalasis (D1,000,000.00) for a corporate body.”
“In essence, the law prohibits the cultivation of plants from which prohibited or controlled drugs can be obtained as well as the production and distribution of all forms of prohibited and controlled drugs except where otherwise stated in the Act. Therefore, we urge all to desist because anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly without any fear, favour, affection or goodwill,” he emphasised.
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