Banjul International Airport authorities were on high alert on January 29, 2025, as operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) intercepted a Gambian-American passenger in possession of illicit drugs.
The suspect, 27-year-old Abdoulie Gassama, was detained shortly after arriving from Washington Dulles International Airport via Istanbul, Turkey, at approximately 08:17 GMT.
Authorities discovered a variety of banned substances in Gassama’s luggage, including twenty packages of skunk, six packets of skunk-infused chewing gum, ten jars of cannabis oil, and an unspecified quantity of cocaine. His arrest has triggered a broader investigation into potential drug trafficking networks operating between the U.S., Europe, and The Gambia.
A DLEAG official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the agency’s dedication to eradicating drug-related crimes. “This arrest is part of our continuous crackdown on drug smuggling. We remain committed to protecting our borders from the infiltration of dangerous substances,” the official stated.
Gassama remains in custody as authorities intensify their probe into his possible connections to international drug syndicates. His case underscores the growing concerns over The Gambia’s role as a transit point in global narcotics trade and the increasing vigilance of law enforcement agencies.
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