The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has arrested 20 Gambian men in a series of anti-drug operations conducted across the country, including the discovery of seven cannabis plantations in Batokunku as authorities intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking, dealing and abuse.
The operations targeted various forms of prohibited and controlled substances, including cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis (skunk), cannabis resin (hashish), kush, crack cocaine and ecstasy.
The arrests were made in the month of July, between 9th and 10th 2026.
According to the authority, 37-year-old Lamin Manneh of Batokunku was arrested on July 9 after operatives allegedly discovered seven cannabis sativa plantations at around 5:30 p.m, and a total of 20 suspects, all Gambian males, were apprehended during the operations. Of 20, 13 were arrested in the West Coast Region, six in the Kanifing Municipality and one in the North Bank Region.Among those arrested, 22-year-old Alagie Sonko of Kololi was allegedly found with 26 pieces of suspected cannabis sativa on July 11, while 21-year-old Saikou Touray of Tanji was arrested the same day with 38 wraps of suspected kush.
Also arrested was 25-year-old Yusupha Ceesay of Sukuta Nema, who was allegedly found in possession of 38 wraps and additional quantities of suspected cannabis sativa.At the Barra Ferry Terminal, 24-year-old Pap Biram Njie of Tallinding was apprehended with 98 ecstasy pills and two sachets of suspected skunk. DLEAG said he was also in possession of a black motorcycle without registration.
In a separate operation at the Kalagi checkpoint, 29-year-old Lamin Drammeh of Jareng was arrested with two stones of suspected cannabis resin (hashish) and one sachet of suspected skunk.
Other arrests included 41-year-old Saikou Susso of Brikama Gidda, who was allegedly found with a block of suspected cannabis resin, while three suspects, 28-year-old Matar Gisseh, 38-year-old Pa Modou Nyass and 28-year-old Ensa Saidy, were arrested in Sanchaba with eight bags of suspected skunk and five blocks of suspected cannabis resin.
In Bijilo, the authority arrests 19-year-old Muhammed Barry of Bijilo with a bundle of suspected cannabis sativa, 18-year-old Yaya Touray of Kartong with 21 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa, and 34-year-old Dawda Ceesay of Kololi, who was allegedly found with a block of suspected crack cocaine.
Others taken into custody include 22-year-old Lamin Touray of Tujereng, allegedly found with 19 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa; 22-year-old Muhammed Ndow of Fajara, who was arrested with eight bags of suspected skunk; 29-year-old Sarjo Jallow of Bijilo with 32 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa; and 19-year-old Ebrima Jane of New Jeshwang, who was allegedly found with five stones and two pieces of suspected cannabis resin.
According to DLEAG, the list of arrests also includes 45-year-old Bubacarr Mendy of Brufut, who was allegedly found with eight parcels of suspected cannabis sativa, 35-year-old Hagie Jawara of Manjai Kunda, arrested with two bags containing suspected kush, and 32-year-old Alagie Saine of Ebo Town, who was apprehended at the Barra Ferry Terminal with 61 ecstasy pills.
In a public announcement, DLEAG said the suspects remain in custody while investigations into the respective cases continue.