By Fatou Sillah
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with suspected Cannabis Sativa cultivation in Kunjenjeh and Kanilai village, both located in the West Coast Region. The agency made this announcement through a Facebook post as part of its intensified efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking and abuse.
The arrests followed a sting operation carried out by DLEAG operatives, which led to the discovery of nine cannabis plantation farms between Kunjenjeh and Kanilai. Eight of these farms were uncovered by DLEAG operatives, while an additional farm was discovered by a backup support team from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU).
“8 farms by DLEAG operatives and subsequent discovery of another one (1) farm by a backup support team from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). Management of the Agency wishes to exert sincere thanks and appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Office of AlG operations, and the PlU backup team for their support and selfless service towards the success of the operation. Similar thanks and appreciation are extended to the Chief of Defense staff who on short notice mobilized necessary logistical support for the operation The suspects are currently in custody while further investigations continue.,” The DLEAG said in a statement.
The statement also revealed the arrest of an American national in a separate but related operation.
“In a similar but separate development, operatives conducted a similar sting operation that resulted in the arrest of one Alfred John Francis, an American National and a resident of Sifoe. Operatives on the 30th of September 2024 around 08:56 hours GMT onwards seized nine (9) plantations, two (2) parcels, and two (2) wraps of suspected cannabis sativa from his residence at Sifoe village in the West Coast Region.
Francis is also in custody while investigations into his case continue. The agency used this opportunity to remind the public that the cultivation of prohibited plants, including Cannabis Sativa, is illegal under the Drug Control Act 2003.
“He was also taken into custody while further investigations into his matter continue. Taking into consideration recent trends in the seizure of cannabis farms and plantations from individuals at diverse locations across the country, we want to make it clear that it is illegal for any individual to plant any form of plantation from which a prohibited or controlled drug can be obtained as such action violates section 36 of the Drug Control Act 2003,” The Statement reads.
The statement further cited sections 31 (1)(a) and (1)(b) of the DCA, which prohibit individuals from cultivating cannabis, coca bush, opium poppy, or any other controlled plants, as well as manufacturing or supplying such drugs. Violators of these provisions face severe penalties, including fines of no less than D300,000 for individuals and D1,000,000 for corporate bodies.
“Equally section 31 (1) (a) prohibits operators and by extension individuals from cultivating cannabis plant, coco bush, opium puppy or any other form of prohibited or controlled drug that is capable of being cultivated while sub (1) (b) prohibits the manufacturing, acquiring or supplying prohibited or controlled drugs. Any person found wanting in violation of the aforementioned provisions of the DCA 2003 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than three hundred thousand dalasis (D300,000.00) for an individual and not less than one million dalasis (D1,000,000.00) for a body corporate,”