During this operation, a 22-year-old American security officer, Djenebou Kone, was apprehended at Banjul International Airport upon her arrival from the United States of America. The suspect is currently in the custody of the narcotics agency while the investigation is ongoing.
A reliable source has revealed to The Point that the suspect was apprehended on April 9, 2025, with 65 packages of cannabis ruderalis (skunk) hidden in two suitcases-one white and one black-as well as in black nylon bags.
Last month, Demba Ceesay, the director general of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency in The Gambia, made a resolute pledge to keep Banjul International Airport—the nation's sole airport—completely devoid of drug trafficking.
He delivered a stern warning to any drug traffickers contemplating the use of the airport for their operations, assuring that his team would thoroughly monitor the airport and all major land borders, leaving no stone unturned in their mission to eradicate drugs and related crimes from the country.
Ousman Saidybah, the spokesperson for the DLEAG, confirmed the arrest of the American national. When contacted for comments, he said: “With the significant reforms and restructuring currently under the agency’s leadership, we are fully dedicated to making The Gambia free from drug-related and clandestine activities.”
“Let no one make the mistake of even thinking of trafficking drugs using the Banjul International Airport. I can assure you that with the active collaboration of the security services at the airport, almost no one will escape our vigilance. Drugs are dangerous, and we are committed to eradicating them completely,” he warned.
In another development, DLEAG spokesperson announced that 35-year old Ousman Faye, a Senegalese national and a welder by profession was arrested at Amdalai DLEAG post by Amdalai DLEAG command on the 7 April 2025 with (630) pills of ecstasy which was concealed in a newspaper, a transparent nylon bag and black nylon bag respectively.
“In a similar but a different engagement, 56-year old Ousman Jatta alias Eto, a resident of Brufut and one of the most notorious drug traffickers in the country was arrested. Eto is not a stranger to anti narcotic officers as he has been arrested several times in the past and has been convicted for drug trafficking related offences multiple times.”
