The three parcels of cocaine are reported to weigh 2KG 400G. A suspect in the person of one Abdourahim Diallo a holder of Senegalese passport and Spanish residence permit is under arrest. He is currently detained by the narcotics agency as investigation into the matter continues.
Bakary Gassama, the director general of the country’s DLEAG, confirmed the development, saying: “DLEAG frontline operatives at the Banjul International Airport, acting together with Aviation Security on Saturday, 1st June 2024 intercepted Abdourahim Diallo, holder of Senegalese passport and Spanish residence permit, at the cabin screening point during checking for Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca. The passenger’s final destination is Spain.
“During routine screening, officers observe the abnormal behaviour of this passenger as he walked through the archway metal detector and isolated him for search. When he was searched, it was realised that he was carrying something on his body. Further search conducted on him at DLEAG office resulted in the discovery of 120 pellets and three (3) parcels of cocaine weighing 2kg 400g.”
This interception, he said, goes to demonstrate the great potential in collective action in fighting organised crime at the airport.
“Drug trafficking by air is a means exploited by criminals, thus triggering multilateral initiatives like the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP) of UNODC,” he said.
He maintained that The Gambia as a beneficiary country of the AIRCOP has proven to be steadfast in its response to drug trafficking by air.
“This is evident by the seizures we continue to register from couriers who use and device various kinds of sophisticated concealment methods,” he said. “Our achievements is yet another demonstration of not only the institution’s capacity to counter drug trafficking but also our commitment and determination to confront powerful criminal groups effectively using the mega resources at our disposal.
“We have noted the launch of a new wave of desperate disinformation campaign against DLEAG and some of its officials. This is a clear sign of criminally financed endeavour. However, it is not unusual in counter narcotics to see officials who stand against criminals being smeared to distract them from the very good cause.”
He added: “We are not moved by such idle campaign and wish to assure all Gambians and indeed our partners around the globe that DLEAG is stronger today than ever before. We remain focused on the mission and pledge our selfless service to our nation - the Gambia.”
