By: Haruna Kuyateh
Security at the border town of Kerr Ayoub in Senegal on Friday displayed 1.7 tons of cannabis worth 200millions CFA sized by Customs officials positioned at the border post.
The drugs were concealed in large quantities of bags of groundnut hays and according to the security officers at the border, the bags were found in two trucks heading to Senegal from Casamace. The security also discovered counterfeit currency of 168,000 Euros.
The displayed of drugs was witnessed by Governor Lamin Saidykhan of North Bank Region Lamin, Public Relation Officer and BasiruMbye at Kerr Ali Border Custom post.
The Senegalese security forces reiterated zero operation on drugs and money laundering and calls for stronger collaboration with sister security forces in The Gambia.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan thanked the security forces at the border for their collaboration, noting that security of the two countries call for concerted efforts to curb all forms of criminal activities.
He disclosed that his office is working hard to strengthen bilateral relationship with Regional Administration in Kaolack in complementing efforts of The Gambia Presidents Adama Barrow and Macky Sall of Senegal.
Governor Saidykhan therefore called on security at various check points to be steadfast and proactive in the execution of their duties with due diligent, with the ultimate objective of protecting the population.
The North Bank Governor however expressed delight on the seizure of the 1.7tons of cannabis and euro counterfeit currency as he doesn’t involve any Gambian national.
Basiru Mbye at Kerr Ali Custom border thanked their counterparts in Senegal for collaboration and consultation on security issue.
He reassured them of stronger collaboration to curb down illegal activities along the border for protection and security of the two countries. The occasion was highly attended by top security agents, lawmakers, administrators, transport associations and cross section of the community including media houses in The Gambia and Senegal.
