By: Dawda Baldeh
The Director General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), Demba Ceesay, has highlighted the significant challenges faced by his officers in their ongoing battle against illicit drugs.
Speaking at a symposium in Kanifing to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Ceesay revealed that DLEAG personnel often encounter violence while performing their duties.
“Our personnel are always assaulted while on duty to fight against illicit drugs,” he said, expressing concern over the threats posed by drug abuse to society—particularly its impact on the mental health and future prospects of young people.
He emphasised the need for community support in the agency’s efforts to combat drug-related issues, stating, “When we don’t fight against drugs, our young people will be destroyed.”
Ousman Saidybah, the agency’s public relations officer, also spoke at the event and underscored the lucrative nature of the drug trade, which continues to complicate enforcement efforts. He noted that drug dealers often operate under the guise of philanthropy, making them more difficult to identify and apprehend.
Saidybah urged the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities, highlighting the financial power of traffickers and the challenges law enforcement officers face in resisting bribery and intimidation.
Both Ceesay and Saidybah called for collective action against drug abuse, warning that neglecting the issue could jeopardise the future of the nation’s youth. They reiterated the importance of community involvement in the fight against illicit drugs, stressing that a united front is essential for safeguarding the future.
