The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has arrested three Nigerian nationals and seized more than 40,000 ecstasy pills in a coordinated sting operation at Banjul International Airport.

The operation, which began in late November 2024, followed intelligence gathered by DLEAG’s Counter-Trafficking Intelligence (CTI) Command about a planned shipment of illicit drugs from India.

“Despite efforts by the traffickers to avoid detection by using a false address and incorrect contact details, DLEAG, in partnership with The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Airport Command, closely monitored the unclaimed package and tracked those involved.

“On December 18, 2024, after weeks of surveillance, DLEAG officers arrested the suspects: Ikechukweu Livinus Akwusaia, alias I.K., from Amdalai; Ifeanacho Raphael from Latrikunda Sabiji; and Sunday Ainbgaoso from Bundung. The trio were apprehended and taken into custody.

“The following day, the suspects were escorted to the airport, where DLEAG and GRA officials opened the package in their presence,” DLEAG said in a statement.

“The package contained 40,227 ecstasy pills, weighing a total of 26.4 kilograms. The drugs were immediately seized and handed over to DLEAG for further investigation.

“Initial findings revealed that Akwusaia, the nephew of the sender, was responsible for coordinating the clearance of the package. Raphael was tasked with financing the clearance but failed to secure the required funds, while Ainbgaoso’s role was to retrieve the package for a fee,” it added.

The suspects remain in custody as DLEAG continues to investigate the international drug operation.

By Adama Makasuba