By Mammy Saidykhan
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency Gambia DLEAG on Thursday destroyed over two tons of drugs as part of their annual drug destruction exercise.
Speaking at the event held at Cape Point, the director general of DLEAG Bakary Gassama said that drug trafficking is a threat to national security and the increase has raised to the level of violent crimes.
“We are about to witness the destruction of 2ton 990kg Cannabis Sativa, 131, 600mg of Cocaine, 7g, 100mg Heroine and 560g of Hashish,” he said.
He added that drug trafficking has significant economic and political implications, it creates shadow economics and distort financial institutions and fuel money laundering.
The director general of DLEAG called on Gambians to report cases of illicit drugs use and trafficking;
“I invite all residents in this country to participate in this noble campaign. This way, no crime will go undetected. Falling to report drug dealers amounts to self victimization and certainly, they will catch up with you either directly or indirectly.”
Gassama urged stakeholders to combine efforts to the fight against drug use; “I must admit that the fight against drugs is both complex and challenging, however, with determination to strengthen our actions and cooperation, we cab achieve the goal of an international society free of drugs.”
The chairman DLEAG Board of Governors Gaye Sowe said that over the years, DLEAG Board has worked closely with management in providing the necessary policy guidance geared towards preparing the agency to serve as the main driver of drug responses in The Gambia.
Gaye assured his board’s continue support to the agency.
” As a board we are committed to provide strategic direction in building capacity for enforcement, drug demand reduction, access and control. This will enhance and enable tactical operational coordination and effective management.”
Gaye added that in this drive, they provided a systematic policy oversight, monitoring evaluation and sharing observations with management for continues improvement.
