The trial of Banta Keita, an alleged drug baron, will resume at the Banjul high court on Friday (13 January).

Keita, a French-Gambian businessman, who has been declared wanted after going on the run is the main suspect in the trial. 

He fled the country following the seizure of three tonnes of cocaine at the Banjul port in 2019.

The cocaine, which was found in a container from Latin America, was the largest drug bust in The Gambia with a street value of D4.5 billion.

His accomplice, Sheriff Njie, is facing drug charges and currently remanded in Mile Two prison. 

Mr Keita has also been charged with nine counts ranging from drug trafficking to money laundering.

The Gambia government has issued an international arrest warrant on him, and the court has also ordered to freeze his assets.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba