In her ruling, Justice Zainab Nguie Mboob ordered Keita to pay D30,000,000 or, in default, serve 25 years’ imprisonment in hard labour. The conviction related to a series of drug trafficking and money laundering offences.
A source familiar with the matter noted that while the fine has been paid, Keita’s other assets, including boats and residential compounds — remain under state custody.
The case stems from the January 2021 cocaine bust at Banjul Port, where authorities intercepted nearly three tonnes of high-purity cocaine concealed in containers of industrial salt imported from Ecuador. The seizure marked a watershed moment in the country’s fight against international drug trafficking.
Keita remains a fugitive, and his whereabouts are unknown, with rumors suggesting that he has already returned to the country, though it couldn’t be independently verified by The Point as at the time of going to press.
