By Adama Makasuba
DLEAG operatives at Mandinaba checkpoint have arrested a 19-year-old female student and her younger sister with suspected cannabis as they travel to Brikama from Foni.
According to DLEAG, the suspect is a resident of Sibanor and was on-board a commercial vehicle (Gele-Gele WCR 7976 A) heading to Brikama when she was arrested with three (3) big bundles of suspected cannabis sativa at Mandinaba checkpoint.
“The said suspected cannabis sativa were each wrapped with cement papers, sellotaped and concealed in a pink color bag. She was taken into custody and charged for possession of suspected prohibited drug for the purpose of drug trafficking contrary to section 43(4) e of the DCA 2003. Her younger sister traveling with her was handed over to the Agency’s Gender, Children and Human Rights Unit for further processing and location of their parents or guardians.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the said suspected prohibited drug was given to her by someone said to be residing in Majejam in Casamance. The said person has ever since switched off his cell phones and is currently at large while she was taken into custody as officers’ further probe into her case,” DLEAG said.
DLEAG also called on parents to ensure that they properly monitor and advise their siblings while they travel, adding they must ensure that they search and properly scrutinise any luggage or baggage given to them for conveyance.
“In the same vein, everyone should all partake in educating and sensitising children and youth. children should be made to understand that they can be held criminally liable if they are twelve years of age and above pursuant to section 209 of the Children’s Act 2005. Most of these criminals engaged in nefarious activities deceive our children and youth folks by telling them that they are children and cannot therefore be arrested or prosecuted.
“As a country and people, we must work together and annihilate these criminals and their illicit activities. They are a selfish bunch devoid of moral conscience about the outcome of their illegal activities, conduct and behaviour on people and society,” DLEAG added.