The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) of The Gambia reported a significant breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, seizing over 400,000 ecstasy pills and arresting 26 individuals in operations conducted between September 12 and 18, 2025. The agency’s weekly situational update highlights its ongoing efforts to suppress drug supply and reduce demand across the country.
In a landmark operation, DLEAG apprehended two Gambian nationals—a man and a woman—in connection with 401,767 suspected ecstasy pills originating from Holland. The arrests took place in Serrekunda’s London Corner and Brufut in the West Coast Region. Authorities seized 1,767 pills at London Corner, while a further 400,000 pills were uncovered in Sukuta, concealed in ten suitcases, each containing 80 packets of 5,000 pills. An eleventh suitcase was found empty. Alongside the drugs, authorities confiscated D967,700 (Gambian Dalasi), 175,000 CFA, and €50,100 in cash, which the suspects admitted were proceeds of their illicit trade.
The first suspect, Falou Cham, identified as the main distributor, was arrested on September 16 at London Corner. A subsequent search of a Sukuta compound used as a bunker revealed the bulk of the ecstasy haul. The second suspect, Mariam Jawara, arrested in Brufut, is reportedly the wife of Saikou Sarr, a Gambian based in Holland who allegedly shipped the drugs through Banjul Ports. Jawara is said to have coordinated the operation locally. The case remains under investigation.
Beyond this high-profile seizure, DLEAG’s operations resulted in 21 drug-related cases and the arrest of 23 Gambians, two Senegalese, and one Sierra Leonean. Other seizures included 21 bundles, one parcel, and 141 wraps of cannabis sativa; one stone of cannabis resin (hashish); medical plastic bags of skunk cannabis; 155 wraps of kush; one wrap of cocaine; and two small plastic bags of crystal meth. Notable arrests included a Senegalese national caught with 133 ecstasy pills at the Banjul ferry terminal and another with 13 cannabis bundles at the Jenoi checkpoint. A Sierra Leonean was apprehended with 40 wraps of kush in Brikama Durumakolong.
On the legal front, DLEAG filed six new drug possession cases under Section 35 of the Drug Control Act (DCA) 2003. The agency also secured convictions in five cases, including two possession cases and three trafficking cases under sections 35 and 43 of the DCA 2003, respectively. These cases were adjudicated across magistrate courts in Banjul, Brikama, Bundung, and Essau.
In addition to enforcement, DLEAG intensified its drug demand reduction efforts through community outreach. The agency conducted radio talk shows on GRTS Radio, Islamic Al-Falaq, and Paradise Farafenni FM, alongside a community sensitization program. The North Bank Regional Command also participated in a youth convergence organized by the Upper Badibu District Youth Committee, reinforcing preventive education.
These efforts underscore DLEAG’s multifaceted approach to combating the drug trade, combining aggressive enforcement with proactive community engagement to address both supply and demand in The Gambia.
