By Isatou Sarr
The Brikama Magistrates’ Court has struck out a criminal case filed by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), citing repeated delays and lack of diligence by the prosecution.
Magistrate Kanjura B. Sambou delivered the ruling on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, after the prosecution failed to proceed with the case despite several adjournments granted to allow it to call witnesses.
The agency had charged Ousainou Saine with possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 35(1)(a) of the Drug Control Act 2003.
Prosecutors alleged that on or about 7 July 2024, at Envy Night Club in the Kanifing Municipality, Saine was found in possession of 4g 030mg of cannabis resin, a prohibited substance.
Saine denied the charge and was granted bail of D100,000 with one Gambian surety, who was required to deposit a valid national ID card and provide proof of means.
The court heard that the prosecution repeatedly sought adjournments to call its first witness, all of which were granted. When the case resumed on 22 April 2026, the prosecution again applied for an adjournment on the same grounds.
In his ruling, Magistrate Sambou noted that the case had been pending since 11 September 2024 without substantive progress and that all adjournments were at the instance of the prosecution.
He refused the application for a further adjournment and struck out the case for want of diligence, ordering that the accused be discharged.
