By Isatou Sarr
The Brikama Magistrates’ Court Monday sentenced one Omar Darboe of Brikama Town to pay a fine of D200,000 over possession of prohibited drugs with intent to traffic.
Appearing before Magistrate Kanjura B. Sambou, Darboe came to court without any legal representation and was charged under Section 43(4)(d) of the Drug Control Act 2003.
He was found allegedly possessing 50 grams of cannabis resin on 30 September 2025 at Brikama Daruhairu.
During the proceedings, Chief Inspector M. Demba of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEA) detailed Darboe’s arrest and subsequent transfer to Brikama Police Station.
The accused pleaded guilty after the particulars were read in English and interpreted in Mandinka.
The prosecution submitted key evidence, including Darboe’s voluntary and cautionary statements, the 24-hour daily seizure report, the weighing certificate, and the analytical report. The court admitted the documents into evidence without objection.
Following court’s review, Darboe was convicted and in his plea for leniency, he emphasized that it was his first offence and expressed remorse.
“This is my first time and I have learned my lesson. It will not happen again,” he told the court.
Magistrate Sambou acknowledged the plea for mitigation but stressed the seriousness of the offence. “Your actions are uncalled for; however, as a first-time offender, I will temper justice with mercy,” he said.
Darboe was fined D200,000 and in default he would serve three years’ imprisonment. He was given three months to settle the fine.
The court also granted bail in the sum of D200,000, requiring two Gambian sureties who must provide valid ID cards and demonstrate sufficient means.