By Isatou Sarr
The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has carried out a series of coordinated operations across the country, arresting multiple individuals and seizing large quantities of suspected prohibited and controlled substances, the agency confirmed.
In the largest seizure, 49-year-old Lamin Sanneh, a resident of Kanilai, was arrested on 10 January 2026 at around 05:45 in Sibanor. DLEAG officers reportedly recovered 150 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa, concealed in cement paper inside five white and blue flour bags.
Earlier, on 7 January, 31-year-old Umaru Camara, a Sierra Leonean national residing in Bakoteh, was apprehended with one small bag of suspected skunk and eleven small bags of suspected kush, hidden in a medical plastic bag.
On the same day, 20-year-old Yaya Jawneh of Brufut was arrested at a beach area with parcels of suspected cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis (skunk), suspected kush wraps, and suspected ecstasy pills concealed in white paper and a transparent nylon bag.
Also on 7 January, 29-year-old Ebrima Jabbie of Brikama Nyambai was found in possession of 18 pieces of suspected cannabis resin (hashish) and 138 suspected ecstasy tablets, concealed in a transparent plastic bag.
On 8 January, DLEAG arrested 34-year-old Eliman Ceesay of Sinchu Ndugari village with six bundles and 58 units of suspected cannabis sativa, concealed in paper and a multicoloured bag. On the outskirts of Geniya, 23-year-old Musa Badjie of Kappa Village was apprehended with 15 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa, hidden in cement paper inside a flour bag, while riding an unregistered motorcycle.
Additional arrests on 8 January included 25-year-old Abdoulie Manneh of Tallinding, 23-year-old Kebba Samureh of Busumbala, and 37-year-old Lamin Touray of Bakau, all found with varying amounts of suspected cannabis sativa and kush.
On 9 January, Matar Camara and 21-year-old Muhammed Marr, both of Tallinding, were arrested in possession of suspected cannabis ruderalis (skunk) and ecstasy tablets.
DLEAG further reported that 22-year-old Alagie Keita of Darsilameh was arrested on the outskirts of Manduar with bundles of suspected cannabis sativa, while 25-year-old Sainey Kanyi of Sankuya was found with suspected crack cocaine.
Between 10 and 12 January, additional arrests included Saikou Barry of Berewuleng; 35-year-old Yassine Muhammed, a Tunisian national residing in Brusubi; 24-year-old Jacob Jatta of Kartong; 28-year-old Matarr Sambou of Ebotown; 18-year-old Sarjo Jallow of Tallinding; 22-year-old Yusupha Saidy of Jamburr; 36-year-old Modou Lamin Kujabi of Tanji; and 31-year-old Sanna Keita of Jareng, all found with various quantities of suspected cannabis, skunk, kush, and ecstasy.
All suspects remain in DLEAG custody as investigations continue.
