By Isatou Sarr
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), North Bank Region Command, Thursday took its anti-drug campaign to Essau in Lower Nuimi, urging communities to strengthen their role in combating drug abuse, trafficking, possession and cultivation.
The sensitization brought together the Chief of Lower Nuimi, village alkalolu, security personnel, Village Development Committee members, women and youth groups and other community stakeholders.
The engagement focused on the dangers of drug abuse and the role communities can play in preventing and reporting drug-related offences.
Welcoming the DLEAG delegation, Chief of Lower Nuimi Judge Sonko described the fight against drugs as a collective responsibility and a national security concern.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and provide timely information to DLEAG on suspected drug-related activities, while calling on the agency to ensure the protection of informants.
Sonko commended DLEAG for taking its sensitization campaign to the district, saying such engagements could strengthen trust and cooperation between communities and law-enforcement institutions.
DLEAG North Bank Region Commissioner, Yankuba Sanneh thanked the chief and participating communities for their support and called for closer collaboration between the agency, communities and other security institutions.
He warned against cannabis cultivation, trafficking and distribution, stressing the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation.
“We shall never relent or surrender in the war on drugs; we will fight until we significantly eradicate it in this region,” Sanneh said.
DLEAG Regional Demand Reduction and Media Advocacy Officer Adama Bah highlighted the health, social and economic consequences of drug abuse, particularly its impact on young people and communities.
He also explained the legal consequences of drug cultivation, trafficking and possession, while encouraging residents to provide credible information to the agency.
DLEAG Chief of Operations in the North Bank Region, Babucarr Corr, described drug-related activities as a threat to national security and cautioned communities against obstructing DLEAG operations.
Representatives of the Gambia Police Force, Gambia Immigration Department and Gambia Armed Forces also called for stronger community cooperation in combating crime and protecting national security.
Community leaders, including the Alkalolu of Barra and Jinack Village, welcomed the initiative and pledged to share the information gained from the sensitization with their respective communities.
The outreach concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which participants raised concerns and sought clarification on drug-related issues.
DLEAG said it would continue its prevention, enforcement and community engagement activities across the country.