DLEAG Arrests 24 Suspects in Nationwide Anti-Drug Operations

Written by: Michaella Faith Wright

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has arrested 24 suspects, including one Sierra Leonean and one Senegalese national, during a series of coordinated anti-drug operations carried out across the country between June 15 and 22, 2026.

According to a statement signed by DLEAG Public Relations Officer Dawda Sanyang, the operations targeted drug trafficking and abuse across the Kanifing Municipality, West Coast Region, Banjul, and the Upper River Region.

The suspects comprise 22 Gambians, one Sierra Leonean, and one Senegalese. Twenty-three are male, while one is female. They were allegedly found in possession of various prohibited and controlled substances, including suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, cannabis sativa, cannabis ruderalis (skunk), cannabis resin (hashish), kush, ecstasy, and crystal meth.

Among the most significant arrests was 41-year-old Kawsu Gassama of Tallinding, who was allegedly found in possession of two blocks of suspected cocaine. Another notable case involved 35-year-old Lamin Sanyang of Bitta Village, who was arrested with 35 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa. Other suspects were apprehended with varying quantities of ecstasy, kush, hashish, skunk, crack cocaine, and crystal meth.

“DLEAG remains committed to implementing strategic initiatives aimed at combating drug trafficking, dealing, and abuse across the country,” Sanyang said.

He added that all 24 suspects remain in custody while investigations into their respective cases continue.