As the Agency intensifies ongoing efforts aimed at bridling illicit drug trafficking and abuse, operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) conducted a sting operation that resulted in the apprehension of three (3) individuals and the discovery of nine (9) cannabis plantation farms between Kunjenjeh and Kanilai village in the West Coast Region
The operation that started on the eve of the 5th of October 2024 commencimg around 02:00 hours GMT onwards resulted in the initial discovery of eight (farms by DLEAG operatives and subsequent discovery of another one (1) farm by a back up support team from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU).
Management of the Agency wishes to exert sincere thanks and appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Office of AIG operations and the PIU back up team for their support and selfless service towards the success of the operation. Similar thanks and appreciation is extended to the Chief of Defense staff who on short notice mobilized necessary logistical support for the operation.
The level of commitment and support rendered by various security apparatus evidently shows that if we collaboratively pool our resources and work together, we can make giant strides in the crusade on illicit drugs and all forms of criminality and criminal related behaviours. Equally, the swift response of sister security services shows that recent engagement of the DG upon assuming the mantle of leadership of the Agency is paying dividend.
The suspects are currently in custody while further investigations continue.
In a similar but separate development, operatives conducted a similar sting operation that resulted in the arrest of one Alfred John Francis, an American National and a resident of Sifoe. Operatives on the 30th of September 2024 around 08:56 hours GMT onwards seized nine (9) plantations, two (2) parcels and two (2) wraps of suspected cannabis sativa from his residence at Sifoe village in the West Coast Region. He was also taken into custody while further investigations into his matter continue.
Taking into consideration recent trends in the seizure of cannabis farms and plantations from individuals at diverse locations across the country, we want to make it clear that it is illegal for any individual to plant any form of plantation from which a prohibited or controlled drugs can be obtained as such action violates section 36 of the Drug Control Act 2003. Equally section 31 (1) (a) prohibits operators and by extension individuals from cultivating cannabis plant, coco bush, opium puppy or any other form of prohibited or controlled drug that is capable of being cultivated while sub (1) (b) prohibits the manufacturing, acquiring or supplying prohibited or controlled drugs.
Any person found wanting in violation of the aforementioned provisions of the DCA 2003 commits and offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than three hundred thousand dalasis (D300,000.00) for an individual and not less than one million dalasis (D1,000,000.00) for a body corporate.
In essence, the law prohibits the cultivation of plants from which prohibited or controlled drugs can be obtained as well as the production and distribution of all forms of prohibited and controlled drugs except where otherwise stated in the Act. Therefore, we urge all to desist because anyone found wanting will be dealt with accordingly without any fear, favour, affection or goodwill
