The Gambia joins the rest of the world to observe World Drug Day (WDD) on Monday, 26th June, 2023 with “People first: stop stigma and discrimination and strengthen prevention” as theme.
As part of the celebrations, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Seyaka Sonko, on behalf of The Gambia Government issued a televised statement reflecting its commitment in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
In his statement, Minister Sonko said that The Gambia Government remains committed to putting people first, promoting access to treatment and strengthening prevention initiatives. He added that his Ministry, to safeguard youth from misery and the sufferings caused by drugs, is determined to ensure that they dismantle any organized criminal network that may emerge in the jurisdiction of the country.
‘’Fellow Gambians and residents of this beloved nation of ours, my Ministry under the distinguish leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Mr. Adama Barrow, will ensure that we capacitate Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), to fulfill its mandate effectively and efficiently. We will also continue to support and promote initiatives aimed at promoting evidence based prevention and treatment programs and activities.” The Minister said.
Understanding that Government cannot do it all alone, he called on the civil society including community-based organizations, youth groups, and all other relevant stakeholders to complement Government efforts and participate in drug prevention programs and activities.
Highlighting some of the achievements of his Ministry, Interior Minister Sonko said that his line department, the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) registered one thousand, six hundred and twenty-nine (1629) cases involving one thousand, six hundred and sixty five (1665) accused persons from January 2021 to April 2023.
The Agency also seized almost 6 tons of cannabis, close to four tons of cocaine, and more than eighteen thousand (18,000) assortments of controlled drugs ranging from Ecstasy, Diazepam, Clonazepam, Methamphetamine, Bronazepam, among others. At the same time, DLEAG equally seized significant quantities of Hashish, Skunk and Kush within the same period.
