The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has arrested 26 suspected drug offenders during nationwide enforcement operations targeting the alleged dealing, trafficking, possession and abuse of cannabis and other controlled substances.
According to a statement issued by DLEAG Public Relations Officer Dawda Sanyang, the arrests form part of the Agency’s intensified efforts to disrupt illicit drug networks and protect communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The suspects, aged between 16 and 50, comprise 24 Gambians and two Senegalese nationals. All are male, including one alleged child offender.
The arrests were recorded across several regions and municipalities, with seven suspects apprehended in the West Coast Region, five in Kanifing Municipality, four in the North Bank Region, five in Banjul, two each in the Central River and Upper River regions, and one in the Lower River Region.
Among the arrests, 30-year-old Lamin Sanyang, a resident of Bundung, was apprehended on September 12, 2026, with four bundles of suspected cannabis sativa allegedly concealed in brown paper.
On September 11, 50-year-old Sambujang Dampha of Kiang Keneba was arrested with two bundles, 41 wraps and three plants of suspected cannabis sativa.
Meanwhile, 45-year-old Ablie Gassama, a Senegalese national residing in Sanchaba Sulay Jobe, was arrested on September 12 with two bundles of suspected cannabis sativa.
DLEAG also reported the arrest of 30-year-old Yankuba Sanyang of Bundung on September 15, with 355 suspected ecstasy pills allegedly concealed in a transparent nylon bag.
In a separate operation, 18-year-olds Salifu Camara and Abubacarr Jobarteh, both residents of Latrikunda Sabiji, were arrested in Basse on September 13. They were allegedly found with seven small bags of suspected cocaine, eight ecstasy pills and one wrap of suspected cannabis ruderalis, commonly known as skunk.
Other arrests involving suspected cannabis products included 22-year-old Kawsu Jarju of Serekunda, who was apprehended on September 20 with 16 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, and 21-year-old John Philo Mendy of Sukuta, who was arrested the same day with 24 pieces of suspected cannabis resin, commonly known as hashish.
Additionally, 32-year-old Sarjo Camara of Sanchaba Touba was arrested on September 19 with an unspecified quantity of suspected cannabis allegedly placed on a silver-coloured metal plate.
At the Mbollet-Ba checkpoint, 18-year-old Senegalese national Pa Essa Dillo was arrested on September 19 with eight sachets of suspected cannabis ruderalis, or skunk.
DLEAG further reported the arrest of 30-year-old Ousman Jallow of Manjai on September 18, with seven small sachets of suspected molly and three sachets of suspected skunk.
In Banjul, 36-year-old Malick Jobe was arrested on September 18 with one piece of suspected crack cocaine, while 23-year-old Ebrima Manneh of Brikama was apprehended on September 17 with an unspecified quantity of suspected cannabis sativa.
The Agency also reported the arrest of 45-year-old Mustapha Njie of Banjul on September 17, with five pieces of suspected kush and an unspecified quantity of suspected cannabis sativa.
On September 20, 29-year-old Saikou Ceesay of Banjul was arrested with 20 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa.
A 16-year-old alleged child offender from Banjul was also arrested on September 17 with five pieces of suspected kush.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Lamin Njie of Banjul was arrested on September 16 with 10 pieces of suspected cannabis resin and a smoking joint of suspected cannabis sativa.
DLEAG reported several additional arrests at checkpoints and in different communities across the country.
At the Kalagi checkpoint, 25-year-old Adama Jallow of Sarreh Kinteh was arrested on September 10 with eight stones of suspected cannabis resin, commonly known as hashish.
On September 16, 29-year-old Muhammed Jobe and 23-year-old Buba Yarboe, both residents of Bansang, were arrested in separate incidents. Jobe was allegedly found with 11 pieces of suspected cannabis resin, while Yarboe was arrested with 55 pieces of suspected kush.
The Agency also reported the arrest of 28-year-old Ousman Sowe of Kerr Serign on September 13, with a small parcel of suspected cannabis sativa.
In Farafenni, 30-year-old Kemo Jaiteh was arrested on September 10 with nine sachets of suspected skunk and 39 pieces of suspected kush. Another Farafenni resident, 27-year-old Ebrima John, was arrested the same day with three sachets of suspected skunk.
At the Mbollet-Ba checkpoint, 31-year-old Bubacarr Kassama of Bundung was arrested on September 10 with four sachets of suspected skunk and an unspecified quantity of suspected cannabis sativa.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Amadou Mballow of Pirang was apprehended at the Mandinaba checkpoint on September 10 with five parcels of suspected cannabis sativa.
The latest arrest listed in the statement involved 32-year-old Ousainou Gaye of Kololi, who was apprehended on September 21 with one bundle and some seeds of suspected cannabis sativa.
DLEAG said the nationwide operations demonstrate its continued determination to disrupt illicit drug networks, prevent the circulation of prohibited and controlled substances, and protect communities, particularly young people, from the harmful consequences of drug abuse.
Beyond enforcement, the Agency said it continues to strengthen collaboration with communities, institutions and other relevant stakeholders through public awareness, prevention initiatives and other interventions aimed at addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its mandate of combating illicit drugs, protecting the people of The Gambia and contributing to a safer, healthier and drug-free society.
The suspects remain accused persons, and the allegations against them have not been established in court.