The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has arrested 24 suspected drug offenders in a series of operations conducted across the country as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking, dealing and abuse.
According to a statement issued by the agency, the suspects comprise 22 Gambians, one Sierra Leonean and one Senegalese. Twenty-three of those arrested are men, while one is a woman.
The operations were carried out between 15 and 22 June in the Kanifing Municipality, West Coast Region, Banjul and Upper River Region.
DLEAG said 12 suspects were arrested in the West Coast Region, seven in the Kanifing Municipality, three in Banjul and two in the Upper River Region.
The agency reported the seizure of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis (commonly known as skunk), cannabis resin (hashish), ecstasy pills, crystal meth and suspected kush during the operations.
Among the major seizures, DLEAG said a 41-year-old suspect from Tallinding was arrested with two blocks of suspected cocaine on 18 June, while a 35-year-old man from Bitta Village was arrested near Somita on 21 June with 35 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa and a motorcycle without a registration number.
The agency also reported the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect from Basse on 16 June with 381 suspected ecstasy pills, describing it as one of the largest ecstasy seizures recorded during the operations.
Other suspects were allegedly found in possession of varying quantities of suspected cannabis, hashish, crack cocaine, crystal meth and ecstasy in separate operations conducted across the country.
DLEAG said all 24 suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
The agency said the operations form part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen the fight against illicit drugs and reduce drug trafficking and abuse in The Gambia.
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