Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-08 09:37:00
Bakary Gassama, the Director General of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency-The Gambia, recently highlighted the issue of ‘kush’ trafficking into The Gambia, with Sierra Leonean nationals being the main perpetrators. This drug has been causing significant devastation in Sierra Leone, with cases on the rise in The Gambia as well. Gassama mentioned that the porous borders and limited resources in the country make it challenging to manage the influx of drugs, resulting in over 25 cases of ‘kush’ registered last year alone.
Most of the severe cases of drug abuse leading to hospitalization or even death are attributed to Sierra Leoneans, indicating their involvement in the drug trade. Gassama emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public to combat drug-related crimes in the country effectively.
The emergence of new substances with high potency, such as kush and ecstasy, has raised concerns among health officials and security forces. The Ministry of Health has observed an increase in patients with serious health complications due to drug abuse, particularly the combination of kush with other chemicals. While there is no definitive medical evidence of fatalities directly linked to these drugs, the government is alarmed by the growing trend and urges the youth to refrain from drug abuse for their own well-being.
In addition to ‘kush’, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency has also seized a significant amount of cocaine in recent years, with over 800kg confiscated in 2022 alone. The largest cocaine seizure in the country’s history occurred in June 2021 when nearly three tonnes of cocaine worth over $87 million were intercepted at the port in Banjul. Gassama highlighted the challenges posed by drug trafficking in the Ecowas region, with The Gambia, Bissau, and other West African countries serving as transit points for illicit drugs bound for Europe.
Despite the prevalence of cocaine trafficking in the region, The Gambia faces a more significant issue with cannabis abuse, primarily sourced from Casamance. Law enforcement agencies are making concerted efforts to curb drug trafficking and minimize the impact of drug abuse on society.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Landing Bojang, commended the low crime rate in the country compared to other nations and emphasized the police’s commitment to apprehending suspects, especially in murder cases. Bojang urged the public to report crimes and collaborate with security forces to ensure a safe and crime-free society.
Overall, the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, health officials, and the public are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking and abuse in The Gambia. By raising awareness, enhancing border security, and fostering community partnerships, the country can work towards a safer and healthier future for its citizens.
Read the original article on The Standard
