Operatives of The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) have arrested three foreign nationals in possession of large quantities of illicit drugs and firearms during a sting operation conducted on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, in Fajara.

The suspects include an Indian national and two Bissau-Guinean men, all of whom were found with varying types of controlled and prohibited substances, two 9mm pistols, and live ammunition.

According to DLEAG, the Indian suspect, identified as Mohammed Rafique Kabir Khan, a manager at Envy Nightclub and resident of Fajara, was found with over 25,800 pills of suspected ecstasy concealed in six plastic bags, 32 blocks of suspected cannabis resin (hashish), cannabis ruderalis (skunk), and cannabis gummies.

The two Bissau-Guinean nationals, Quintino Djedju and Papis Djedju—one claiming to be a nightclub ticket seller and the other a fisherman—were arrested for the joint possession of 25 blocks of suspected cocaine.

Further investigation led agents to uncover an additional cache of drugs and weapons at Khan’s residence, including two more blocks of hashish, wraps of suspected crystal molly, ecstasy pills, cannabis sativa, two pistols, and live rounds.

All three suspects have been charged with multiple drug trafficking offences under sections 33, 34, 43, and 53 of the Drug Control Act, 2003. The Indian national also faces firearm possession charges under section 47 of the Act, which prescribes double sentencing where firearms are involved in drug-related offences.

In a separate development, DLEAG registered eight additional drug-related cases involving nine suspects across Banjul, Kanifing Municipality, and the West Coast Region between 24 and 31 July. Seized substances include cannabis sativa, kush, skunk, cocaine, and ecstasy pills.

Meanwhile, a 49-year-old Senegalese national was apprehended at the Amdalai border post in possession of a pistol and 12 live rounds. He has been handed over to the police as no drugs were found in his possession.

DLEAG reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and related transnational crimes, urging the public to support law enforcement by reporting illegal activities and helping to foster safe, drug-free communities.