Minister of Interior
By Buba Gagigo
The Minister of Interior, Seyaka Sonko revealed that the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) has seized more than 6 tons of “Cannabis” from 2020 to date.
The minister made these revelations at his office on Friday during his ministry’s commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit drug Trafficking also referred to as ‘World Drug Day’.
“At the national level, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia
(DLEAG) registered One-thousand six hundred and ninety-eight (1698) cases, involving One-thousand six hundred and ninety-nine (1699) accused persons from 2020 to date.
“The agency seized more than 6 tons of Cannabis, close to a quarter ton of
hashish, almost 3 tons of cocaine and significant amount of controlled
and prohibited drugs ranging from diazepam, clonazepam, ecstasy, methamphetamine, skunk, kush among others for the said period,” he told journalists on Friday.
He said the country’s only psychiatrist hospital reported a significant increase in the admission and treatment of drug induced psychosis cases.
Annually, 26th June has been set aside as an expression and determination of the international community’s resolve to strengthen actions and cooperation in the crusade on illicit drug trafficking, drug abuse and related activities after the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 42/112 on the 7th December 1987.
The day is also used by Anti-Narcotic institutions and partners to take stock of their achievements over the years, and highlight challenges as well as draw public attention to the dangers and perils of drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and
related crimes.