By Mustapha Jarju
Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has destroyed confiscated illicit drugs worth over D9 million during a public drug destruction exercise held at the Old Cape Road along Cape Point on Wednesday.
“Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia under the leadership of the Director General, Mr. Bakary Gassama on Wednesday 15th December 2021 destroyed dozens of illicit drugs being seized by the Drug law enforcement officers from January to December 2021 which worth more than nine million (D9m) dalasi. The drugs that were destroyed were as follows, 4tons, 607grams and 700minigrams of cannabis, hashes 238 kilos and 664 grams, 17grams of heroin, and 52 kilos, plus 143 grams and 400 milligrams of Cocaine,” the agency stated.
“The street value of this drugs stands at one hundred and nine million, five hundred and twenty-nine thousand and seventeen dalasi this is equivalent to two million one hundred and six thousand three hundred and twenty-eight dollars and twenty-seven cents. The seizure of this huge quantity of drugs is the result of the extreme hard work and commitment of the narcotic drug officer”.
Speaking to reporters after the destruction, DLEAG director Bakary Gassama said the theme for this year`s world drug day is ‘share facts on drugs, safe lives, while noted that there cannot be a more suitable theme taking into consideration reality that social media is one of the main platforms that people get information, as it is easy to access, engaging and easy to share information with friends and families.
He said it is unfortunate that drug and related matters is the common object of inaccurate news on social media, especially now that misinformation on illicit drugs has drastically increase in the social media, which can be harmful.
He disclosed that the drug scout are conscious of the fact that they are fighting very powerful and wealthy people who will not stop at any length in trying to eliminate anyone who stand against their will. “They can finance individuals or groups to launch such campaign jut to destruct us and secure their license to carry out their social destruction tray”.