By: Dawda M. Jallow
Samba Keita yesterday appeared before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court Charged with possessing prohibited drug and was subsequently granted bail to the tune of D150,000.00
The case was presided over by Magistrate F.J. Camara.
Superintendent M.S. Camara, appearing for the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), charged Keita with possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 35(2)(c) of the Drug Control Act 2014, as amended.
According to the particulars of the offence, Keita allegedly had 870 grammes of cannabis sativa in his possession without a valid licence on August 4, 2026, at Pipeline in the Kanifing Municipality.
When the charge was read and interpreted to him in a language he understood, Keita denied the allegation, telling the court that nothing had been found in his possession.
Superintendent Camara subsequently applied for an adjournment to secure the attendance of the prosecution’s first witness. He also opposed bail, arguing that the accused had allegedly been involved in similar offences and could commit another drug-related offence if released.
He urged the court to impose strict conditions should bail be granted, citing the need to protect society.
In her ruling, Magistrate Camara noted that the offence was bailable and granted Keita bail under Section 124 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025.
The court ordered him to provide a bail bond of D150,000 or two responsible Gambian sureties aged above 30. The sureties are also required to depose affidavits of means and deposit their national identity cards with the court registrar