By:Isatou Sarr
Officers of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia have arrested a Senegalese national at the Jenoi checkpoint after he was allegedly found in possession of 40 blocks of suspected cannabis resin, commonly known as hashish, the agency said on Monday.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Marcel Mendy, a resident of Ziguinchor in southern Senegal, was arrested on 11 March 2026 at about 09:20 GMT during a routine control operation at the checkpoint.
According to the agency, the suspected drugs were concealed in five red plastic bags and three transparent plastic bags.
The agency said the arrest forms part of a series of operations conducted between 8 and 15 March 2026 during which several individuals were apprehended with different types of suspected prohibited and controlled drugs.
In a separate incident, two residents of Farato – 26-year-old Salieu Sey and Kebba Susso – were arrested on 10 March 2026 at about 13:35 GMT. They were allegedly found in possession of 31 bundles and 66 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in white and brown paper and multi-coloured rice bags.
The suspected drugs were reportedly being transported in a blue and orange Mercedes-Benz vehicle bearing registration number WCR 6405D.
In another case, on 13 March 2026 at about 20:08 GMT, 27-year-old Suwaibou Colley of Manduar was arrested with 14 bundles and one parcel of suspected cannabis sativa, as well as one stone of suspected cannabis resin concealed in brown paper, a black plastic bag and two rice bags.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Omar Mboge of Sukuta was arrested on 11 March 2026 with 868 pills of suspected ecstasy concealed in a transparent medical plastic bag.
At the Kanifing Depot, 24-year-old Ebrima Ceesay of Sukuta was also arrested on 13 March 2026 with 84 pills of suspected ecstasy hidden in two plastic bags placed inside a pair of black shoes.
Other suspects were arrested in separate incidents in Kusamai, Somita, Brikama, Nyofelleh, Bijilo, Sanchaba Sulay Jobe, Busumbala, Makumbaya, Bansang and New Yundum, where they were allegedly found with various quantities of suspected cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis (skunk), cannabis resin and kush concealed in bags, paper wraps and rice sacks.
Among those arrested was a Nigerian national, 41-year-old Bernard Arinze Ibeh of Bakoteh, who was allegedly found with suspected cannabis resin, skunk and ecstasy pills. A 17-year-old alleged child offender from Nema Kunku was also reportedly found with 21 wraps of suspected kush.
According to DLEAG Public Relations Officer Dawda Sanyang, all the suspects are currently in custody while investigations into their respective cases continue.
He said the management of the agency remains committed to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking and urged the public to support its efforts in the fight against drugs in the country.