By Fatou Sillah
The Gambia Police Force announced the conviction of Rickey Usumbura, a 61-year-old US citizen, who has been fined D120,000 or sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
According to a statement from the police, Usumbura was arrested following a narcotics operation on January 14 in the coastal town of Siffoe. During the patrol, agents detained his son for cannabis possession, prompting a search of their home. The search uncovered a Brazilian-made Taurus pistol, two magazines, and 82 rounds of live ammunition.
“The Prosecution Unit of The Gambia Police Force has secured the conviction of Rickey Usumbura, a US citizen, who was sentenced to a D120,000 fine or 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” The Police Said.
Ballistic tests conducted by the Gambia Armed Forces confirmed the authenticity of the firearm, and the evidence was subsequently presented in court. Usumbura pleaded guilty to the charges.
“Ballistic tests conducted by the Gambia Armed Forces confirmed the findings, which were submitted as evidence in court,” The Police Said.
The Police Force has issued a stern warning against the illegal possession of firearms, underscoring that individuals found in violation of such laws will face severe legal repercussions.