By: Isatou Sarr
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) Wednesday, 2 July 2025, organized a symposium to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, commonly known as “World Drug Day.”
The event which was held at the NaNA Conference Hall focused on this year’s theme: ‘strengthening collaboration and partnership for effective evidence-based prevention initiatives in the fight against drugs.’
The Director General of DLEAG, Mr. Demba Ceesay, described the symposium as a continuation of the commemoration which manifested willingness and determination to selflessly collaborate and partner with the league for a safer, secure and drug-free society. “Last week, the team might have heard from my able chairman who said the evidence was clear: invest in prevention,” he said. “So today, through a thought process, we want to cross-examine our approach to drugs and involve resource persons and new participants to help the league design a way forward in our fight against drugs,” he added.
Mr. Ceesay emphasized that DLEAG’s focus was on the youth, who were gradually being robbed of their future. “As an agency, we do not take pleasure in arrests and interdictions because, for the most part, it is our brothers and sisters who are affected. That is why we are putting a lot of emphasis on education, sensitization, and prevention. We want more enlightenment for our youths and increased community participation in the fight against drug abuse,” he reiterated.
Ceesay further pointed out that DLEAG officers constantly face danger while working to curb drug-related problems in communities. He says they often get obstructed, attacked, and sometimes suffer life-threatening wounds. “What is their crime for such levels of hostility?” he asked. “They are doing what they are supposed to do; helping to create safe communities and helping our youth make healthy choices. Therefore, I would like you to consider these concerns and find solutions that DLEAG and its stakeholders can rely on as we call for more public collaboration and participation in the fight against drug abuse in our communities.”
Mr. Ceesay disclosed that DLEAG alone could not win the crusade. “We need the support of everyone, especially the youths of the country. I hope that support will be forthcoming,” he concluded.
For her part, Jama Touray, representing the Arts Academy, expressed her concern as a young person witnessing many young folks falling into drug abuse, which is harming their future. “As a young individual going to school and seeing that, I hope the government will implement laws to protect our society.”
She called for strong actions against those involve in drug abuse. That way, she says young folks will be deterred from engaging on drugs.