The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) has announced its largest seizure of ecstasy to date, confiscating more than 401,000 pills valued at an estimated D40 million during a month-long sting operation.

On 16 September, operatives arrested Gambian national Fallou Cham at London Corner in Serrekunda with 1,767 pills of suspected ecstasy.

A subsequent search at a residence in Sukuta uncovered 11 suitcases containing 80 packets of ecstasy, each holding 5,000 pills.

Officers also recovered D967,700, CFA176,000 and €50,100, believed to be proceeds from the illicit trade.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Mariama Jawara at her Brufut residence.

Preliminary findings indicate the drugs were shipped from Holland, allegedly coordinated by Jawara in The Gambia while her husband, based in Holland, managed shipments abroad.

Both suspects are in custody as investigations continue.

DLEAG said the operation forms part of its strategic initiatives to curb drug trafficking and abuse in the country.