By Isatou Sarr
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has arrested a Senegalese national and several other suspects in separate operations linked to the alleged possession of prohibited and controlled drugs across the country.
According to DLEAG’s Public Relations Officer Dawda Sanyang, 26-year-old Chiekh Diong, also known as John, a Senegalese resident of Kaolack, was arrested at the Kerr Jatta checkpoint on 12 May 2026 at about 10:00 GMT.
He was allegedly found with two blocks of suspected cannabis resin (hashish) concealed in a yellow plastic bag and hidden inside his luggage.
In another operation, 22-year-old Alasana Jarju of Sinchu Wurry was arrested on 8 May after officers allegedly discovered 64 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in brown paper and packed in five bags on a motorcycle without a registration number.
DLEAG also reported the arrest of Ousman Ceesay, 30, and Maimuna Njie, 34, at Jambanjelly on 14 May. Officers allegedly found one large stone and 20 smaller stones of suspected crack cocaine concealed in a plastic bag belonging to them.
In a separate incident, 38-year-old Ousman Bah of Dippa Kunda was allegedly found with bundles and parcels of suspected cannabis sativa hidden inside an empty rice bag.
Another suspect, 37-year-old Ebrima Faal of Basse Santasu, was also arrested with suspected skunk and hashish concealed in plastic bags and tissue paper.
The agency further said arrests were made in other parts of the country, including Bijilo, Sanyang, Tanji, Gunjur, Latrikunda, Bakoteh and Brikama, involving suspected substances such as ecstasy, kush, molly, crystal methamphetamine (MDMA), cocaine and cannabis derivatives.
Among those arrested was 76-year-old Dutch national Jan De Jager, allegedly found in Kololi with pills identified as Diazepam, Tramadol and Oxazepam in manufacturer packaging.
DLEAG also confirmed the arrest of 41-year-old Indian national Muhammed Kabir Khan in Fajara in connection with suspected molly.
The agency says all suspects are in custody as investigations continue.