By Buba Gagigo
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) said 12 persons were earlier today arraigned at the Basse Magistrates’ Court, charged with obstructing Narcotic officers in the execution of their duties.
Below is the agency’s statement sent to Kerr Fatou.
Twelve (12) accused persons were arraigned at the Basse Magistrate Court charged for obstruction pursuant to section 70 (4) (a) of the DCA 2003.
Dembo Camara, Ebrima Sabally, Modou Faye, Momodou Jabbi, Musa Camara, Abdou Sowe, Samba Barry, Yankuba Sowe, Amadou Krubally, Bakary Sanyang, Kanja Sowe and Abdou Barry are standing trial for obstructing Narcotic Officers in the due execution of their duties. Their conduct led to the willful damage of a state property (operational vehicle) and also caused grievous bodily harm to a suspect who was in custody.
When the case was mentioned in court today being the 21 day of March 2022, the Magistrate issued an order for eleven (11) of the accused persons to be remanded. One of the Accused person being Abdou Barry indicated that he does not know his age and as such, the court ordered for an age determination test to be conducted in order to determine his age. This will guide subsequent proceedings regarding whether he should be tried as an adult or an Alleged Child Offender (ACO).
The suspects will also be charged with joint possession of prohibited drug contrary to section 35 (2) of the DCA 2003 after weighment and analysis of the said suspected quantities of cannabis sativa found in the immediate vicinity of the compound where they were found openly abusing drugs.
Their matter has also been referred to The Gambia Police Force for appropriate actions regarding the willful damage to property and assault causing grievous bodily harm to Sainey Krubally the suspect who was in custody. Depending on the outcome of the investigations and findings thereof, charges can be amended accordingly.
We therefore call on the public to uphold the law and desist from mutinous behavior and conduct. Nobody is above the law either it being law enforcement operatives or civilians.
Let us use appropriate channels and procedures to seek redress. Turning to violence especially in a situation where you are found breaking the law will not be tolerated.
It ends!