By: Isatou Sarr
Edrissa Manku was on Wednesday convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by the Brikama Magistrates’ Court after he pleaded “guilty” to possessing 22 grams of Cannabis Sativa.
S. Camara appeared for the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), while Manku was present and did not get a lawyer.
Manku was charged with possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 35(2)(a) of the Drug Control (Amendment) Act 2014. According to the particulars of the offence, Manku, on or about February 25, 2026, at New Yundum in the West Coast Region, had in his possession 22 grams of Cannabis Sativa, a prohibited drug.
When the charge was read to him, Manku “pleaded guilty.”
The prosecution then narrated the facts of the case and tendered documents before the court, which were admitted in evidence as exhibits. Following his guilty plea and the evidence before it, the court convicted Manku accordingly.
In mitigation, Manku pleaded with the court for mercy, assuring the court that the offence would not happen again.
In delivering its ruling, the court said it had considered his plea for mitigation but described his action as uncalled for. The court subsequently sentenced Manku to a fine of D50,000, in default of six months’ imprisonment. Manku was unable to pay the fine and was subsequently taken to Mile II Central Prison to serve the custodial sentence.