By Olimatou Coker
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) on Monday recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit drugs following the arrest of a 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, and suspected skunk.
Updating The Standard on the arrest, DLEAG Spokesperson Dawda Sanyang, said Godwin was arrested with a machine suspected to be used for manufacturing and processing of illicit drugs.
“This development is particularly significant as the discovery of the equipment represents the first case of its kind recorded by the agency in The Gambia. It raises serious concerns about the potential establishment of local clandestine laboratories for the production of synthetic drugs thereby highlighting the evolving nature of the region’s drug-trafficking threat,” he noted.
He added that the drug seizure together with the processing equipment demonstrate the agency’s determination to disrupt not only the movement of illicit drugs into the country, but also any attempt to establish facilities for drug production.
He said the suspect remains in the agency’s custody while investigators pursue all necessary measures to identify and dismantle networks or individuals connected with this operation.
According to Sanyang, the operation marks a major milestone in The Gambia’s ongoing fight against illicit drugs and sends a clear message that there is no safe haven for drug traffickers or those seeking to establish illicit drug-manufacturing activities in The Gambia.
He said DLEAG commends its officers for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to protecting the Gambian public from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and trafficking.
He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can assist law-enforcement officers in preventing drug trafficking and protecting communities, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of drugs.