The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) of Gambia has arrested two foreign nationals—an American and a Senegalese—and a Gambian repeat offender in separate operations this week as part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the country.
On April 9, 2025, at approximately 02:15, 22-year-old Djenebou Kone, an American security officer residing in Kololi, was apprehended by the DLEAG Airport Command at Banjul International Airport. Kone had arrived from the United States via Air Maroc and was found in possession of 65 packages of cannabis ruderalis, commonly known as “skunk.” The illicit substance was concealed in two suitcases—one white and one black—as well as in black nylon bags. Authorities detained her immediately upon discovery.
In a separate incident, 35-year-old Ousman Faye, a Senegalese welder, was arrested on April 7, 2025, at around 20:30 by the DLEAG Amdalai Command at the Amdalai border post. Faye was caught with 630 ecstasy pills hidden in a newspaper, a transparent nylon bag, and a black nylon bag. The DLEAG reported that the suspect was attempting to smuggle the drugs across the border when he was intercepted.
In yet another operation, 56-year-old Ousman Jatta, alias “Eto,” a Brufut resident and known drug trafficker, was taken into custody. Jatta, no stranger to law enforcement, has multiple prior convictions for drug-related offenses. This time, he was arrested with 12 stones of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine, cleverly concealed in yellow plastic bags and squeezed into the interior roof light of his ash-colored Mercedes-Benz, registered as WCR 1113C. The DLEAG highlighted Jatta’s notoriety, noting his long history of evading justice until this latest apprehension.
As investigations continue, all three suspects—Kone, Faye, and Jatta—are in DLEAG custody. The agency has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on drug trafficking networks operating within and across Gambia’s borders.
