Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has refuted allegations that its officers have beaten one Bakary Colley into coma resulting in his hospitalisation at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul. 

DLEAG said the victim was hit with a stone pelted by a mob who attacked its officers while they were arresting a suspected drug dealer in Bansang. 

“One Bakary Baldeh who was in possession of Diazepam tablets commonly referred to as Ross immediately attempted to swallow the said controlled drugs that were in his possession. The officers reacted swiftly by trying to prevent him from swallowing and destroying evidence. As the confrontation ensued, another person later known as Ousman Camara was arrested for obstruction as he was found to be preventing the officers from executing their duty,” DLEAG said in statement

“The scene was immediately flooded by mobs that were throwing stones at the officers from different directions. Two of our officers sustained serious injury. One Bakary Colley who is said to be among the mobs was also hit by a stone that was aimed at one of our operatives. The operative was said to have been saved by the swift action of a PIU officer who was present at the scene of the incident.

“The two officers who were wounded were taken to the hospital for treatment by their colleagues while Bakary Colley was escorted by his family members. Our officers were treated and discharged while Bakary Colley was referred to EFSTH in Banjul,” it added.