By: Ebrima Mbaye
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has dealt a significant blow to illicit drug networks in The Gambia, seizing more than 49,000 ecstasy pills along with substantial quantities of cannabis sativa, hashish, skunk, cocaine, and other prohibited substances during intensive operations from January 29 to February 8, 2026.
The most substantial haul occurred on February 6 at approximately 11:17 p.m., when officers arrested 49-year-old Moroccan businessman Slauoi Habib Hicham in Brusubi. He was found with 44,400 ecstasy pills, one block, and three stones of suspected cannabis resin (hashish), all hidden in plastic bags inside a black suitcase.
Other key arrests highlighted the breadth of the crackdown. On February 1, 20-year-old Nuha Badjie of Tamba Kunda and Alieu Gibba of Siwal were detained near Sita Nunku with 110 bundles, two parcels, and large amounts of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in cement paper and rice bags on a horse cart.
On February 3, 39-year-old Yaya Kanteh of Farato was apprehended with two stones and two pieces of suspected hashish plus 5,101 ecstasy pills hidden in a plastic bag and buckets. That same day, 45-year-old Nigerian resident Chikaodi Stephen Orji was arrested at the Kanifing DHL Branch with 16 cocaine pellets concealed in a calabash.
Additional operations netted suspects, including 38-year-old Malang Badjie of Jabang on February 8 with 50 bags of skunk in a Mercedes-Benz, and 42-year-old Omar Seckan of Bakoteh on January 29 with large and small bags of skunk in a vehicle. Smaller quantities of cannabis sativa and skunk led to arrests of individuals such as 31-year-old Alagie Ndoye of Njawara (with cash suspected as drug proceeds), as well as youths in Gunjur, Pirang, and Soma.
The sweeps extended across locations including Barra Ferry Terminal, Kanifing, Bullock checkpoint, Bundung, Banjul, Brikama, Pipeline, Mandinaba, Soma, Kalagi, Sare Fodiki Village, TAF Brufut Heights, and Brufut. Among those detained were foreign nationals from Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, and Sierra Leone, plus a 17-year-old alleged child offender.
All suspects remain in custody pending further investigations.
DLEAG officials reaffirmed their dedication to combating the drug menace, urging public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to support ongoing efforts against abuse and trafficking in the country.
