Gambian drug squad seized nearly three tonnes of cocaine from a shipment of industrial salt in Banjul port on Friday, the largest ever drug busts in the country. 

The 118 bags of cocaine were discovered during a search of a container ship that originated from Ecuador and transited in  Spain, Ousman Saidybah  spokesman for Gambia’s drug enforcement agency said. 

““This seizure is yet another confirmation that The Gambia like other West African States continue to be as storage and transit route for cocaine by international organized criminal groups. Certainly, these drugs is not destined for the Gambia, thus not for local consumption.”

A Gambian-French businessman, Banta Keita, the owner of the container is wanted by police and he is reportedly on the run. 

“We strongly advise the general public to vigilant and solicit their cooperation to provide information on whereabout of Mr BANTA KEITA to the nearest DLEAG/Police Station. 

“The public is reminded that offering any type assistance to Mr Keita to escape or harboring him amount to a criminal offence as provided the Drug Control Act, 2003,” police said in a statement. 

Sheriff Njie an accomplice is in custody helping police in their investigation.