By: Awa DK Conteh
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency Gambia (DLEAG), Mr. Ousman Saidybah, has spoken to Gambia Daily about the drug-related criminal activity in Bansang in the Central River Region (CRR) which led to injuring some DLEAG operatives. “Our operatives in CRR received tip-off about a suspected drug-related activity in Bansang. Upon arrival at the said place - an old welding workshop - they identified themselves and asked to conduct a search”.
He said one Bakary Baldeh who was in possession of Diazepam tablets, commonly referred to as ‘ross’, immediately attempted to swallow the said controlled drugs that were in his possession. “The officers reacted swiftly by trying to prevent him from swallowing and destroying the evidence. As the confrontation ensued, another person, later known as Ousman Camara was arrested for obstruction as he was found to be preventing the officers from executing their duties,” he narrated.
Mr. Saidybah said the scene was immediately flooded by mobs that were throwing stones at the officers from different directions.
“Two of our officers sustained serious injury. One Bakary Colley who is said to be among the mob, was also hit by a stone that was aimed at one of our operatives,’’ he revealed.
He said the operative was said to have been saved by the swift action of a PIU officer who was on the scene.
He continued that the two officers who were wounded were taken to the hospital for treatment by their colleagues while Bakary Colley was escorted by his family members.
“Our officers were treated and discharged while Bakary Colley was referred to EFSTH in Banjul,’’ he said.
The PRO added that the suspect who was found with the controlled drug and the other person arrested for obstruction were taken into custody while further investigations into the matter continues.
Saidybah however warned that “illicit drug trafficking and related activities coupled with associated menace and multiplying implications undermine and threaten human and national development across the globe.”
He concluded that controlling prohibited drugs remains challenging as DLEAG’s operatives across the country frequently arrest traffickers with huge quantities of such substances.
