By: Isatou Sarr
Thirteen individuals have been remanded for allegedly obstructing operatives of the Drugs Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) in due execution of their duties.
Buba Marong, Bubacarr Ceesay, Bintou Marong, Pa Marong, Yaya Marong, Alieu Badjie, Modou Marong, Jogob Gassama, Ansumana Touray, Omar Marong, Sulayman Gassama, Yusupha Marong, and Keba Colley were on Wednesday arraigned before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court presided over by Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy at Brikama Magistrates’ Court. They are facing charges of “obstruction of an inspector,” contrary to Section 62, Subsection (1), paragraphs (A) and (B) of the Drug Control Act of 2003, Laws of The Gambia.
According to the particulars of the alleged offense, the thirteen accused persons on or about 13 January 2025, in various locations in Brikama, refused to comply with and obstructed inspectors of the anti-narcotics agency, who entered premises while exercising the powers conferred on them in the performance of their duties.
All the accused persons, except Omar Marong entered a not guilty plea.
“I will not say anything without my lawyer,” Omar told the court.
The lead prosecutor Assistant Superintendent N.F. Korta requested an adjournment to secure witnesses. He also raised an objection to the granting of bail to the accused persons, stating, “Your Worship, in our investigation, we haven’t received the files from the police station where the case was filed because the police are still investigating.
There are officers with injuries who are currently receiving medical treatment, including one with a head injury, and four other officers who have been taken to the hospital.” Korta continued, “Your Worship, we have reason to believe that there is a threat to the safety of the officers involved, including but not limited to Modou Falu Touray, Kissa Gassama, Cham, and Morro. The rear glass of the Brikama Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s vehicle was destroyed, and photos supporting the prosecution’s position were tendered in court. Our obligation is based on the interest of justice and the public. The officers were acting not as individuals, but in service of the public and, therefore, the safety of these officers is of public concern.”
Omar Marong, one of the accused, stated, “I am currently sick because I was assaulted by them, and I was discharged from the hospital yesterday.”
The court granted the prosecution’s application. The matter was adjourned to 27 January 2025, for the testimony of the first prosecution witness.
An order for the remand at Mile II of 12 accused persons was issued while Omar Marong has been granted D50,000 bail on medical grounds.