Many Gambians have the misconception that Cannabis sativa is used for recreation. They believed it is inhaled or taken by mouth to produce a feeling of relaxation or well-being. Some even believed that it is a potential treatment for many conditions, including chronic skin disorders, cancer-related weakness and weight loss, chronic pain, Huntington’s disease, sleep disorders, eye disease, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia forgetting its negative side effects.
Recently, the public relations officer (PRO) of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) announced that there has been a mass arrest of people suspected to be in possession of cannabis sativa in the West Coast Region (WCR).
The PRO, Ousman Saidybah made this known during a press briefing held at Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s office located at the Police Headquarters, in Banjul.
In addition, he informed pressmen that Alieu Jammeh, Sarja Bojang and Siaka Camara all Gambians were arrested with 15 bundles of cannabis sativa at Bullock Forest Park after a thorough search conducted on their white fiat and black Golf vehicles.
Similarly, he revealed that one Adama Jallow a taxi driver, Landing Jarjue and Sulayman Trawally all Gambians were also arrested in April 2017 at Bullock Police check point, with 20 bundles of cannabis sativa and 10 medium bundles. He added that the suspected cannabis sativa traffickers were travelling with a 190 Mercedes Benz.
“Modou Faal another suspected Gambian national was also arrested at Mandinaba Police Check Point in April 2017 with seven bundles of cannabis sativa,” PRO Saidybah further disclosed.
He further explained that Musa Bayo and Khalilu Sillah were also arrested at Sibanor Police Check Point with five bundles of cannabis sativa, while the third suspect whose name was not revealed to press carrying the largest bundle.
He also revealed to the press that one Sheriff Sanneh, a Gambian national residing at Ginack and Lamin Camara also a Gambian national were all nabbed in Brikama with 31 bundles of cannabis sativa in the month of April. It was confirmed that another suspected cannabis sativa trafficker Bakary Jammeh of FoniJakin was nabbed at Mandinaba Police Check Point with 10 bundles of cannabis sativa.
However, the PRO of GAF, Lieutenant Colonel Omar B. Bojang, also informed the press about the arrest made by the personnel of GAF at Bintang River crossing site. He disclosed that two Senegalese nationals, Yusupha of Mbour and Wally Faye of Njofan were arrested on board a wooden boat (canoe) with 120 big bundles of cannabis sativa, two parcels, one wrap and eight smoking joints in the month of April 2017. PRO Bojang confirmed that one person whose name was not disclosed to press was at large with 200 big bundles recovered.
In order to curb the spread of the marijuana plant, Saidybah and Bojang appealed to the general public especially the landlords not to harbour criminals in their compounds.
Saidybah and Bojang urged Gambians to cooperate with the government in order for peace and security to be sustain:
“The Gambian law remains the same when it comes to peace and security in the country, so all Gambians and non-Gambians residing in the country should complement the efforts of government at all times.”
Some Gambians question the government for arresting suspects with such dangerous plant. This plant takes the place of marijuana and whoever takes it continuously, will have brain damage which can affect the eyes, body and memory. Some Gambians have failed to understand that the government is fighting for their good. However, the Gambian government has received commendation for a job well done to safe its people.
