The training, which is under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions, is currently underway at National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) conference hall.
At the opening ceremony, Bakary Gassama, director General DLEAG, underscored the importance of forging partnership with the NDLEA of Nigeria in abolishing drug trafficking.
“Signing an MOU in August 2021 manifests our collective resolve and role we play to counter the heavy weight of drug traffickers and trafficking in the country.” he said.
The training, he added, would help build the capacity of DLEAG officers on matters relating to those subjects and to help expand their knowledge to be able to perform their duties in the most efficient and decent manner.
“Understanding the nature of transnational organised crime in the 21st century, where crime is no longer bounded by borders and considering the magnitude of financial resources and expertise at the disposal of criminal organisations, no single law enforcement agency can effectively tackle them. This situation has justified the need for genuine collaboration, cooperation and coordination in intelligence sharing and joint operations,” said DG Gassama.
For his part, Dr Ebrahim Abdul, director Assets and Financial Investigation Unit at NDLEA, highlighted the need for well-capacitated officers in the field to be able to carry out proper investigation especially when it comes to finance because that requires intelligence and caution.
He further said they look forward to more collaboration with The Gambia in the quest to combat drug trafficking.
Kumba Jobe, Regional Coordinator of Programme UNODC, highlighted the multifaceted nature of drug trafficking, saying no singular nation is ruled out from the dangers of drugs and its obstacles. “Therefore, such training is essential to the fight towards drug trafficking.”
