Madi Markalo has been sentenced to a fine of D150,000 after he was found guilty of possession of illegal drug [cannabis] at his residence in New Yundum. 

The accused was arraigned before Magistrate Dunn Njie at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.

He was charged with possession of prohibited drugs contrary to section 35 [2] of the Drug Control Act 2003, laws of the Gambia [as amended].

According to the particulars of offence, Madi Markalo on or about the 10th day of July, 2020, at New Yundum in the Republic of The Gambia, had in possession 1KG and 840g of cannabis sativa, drugs prohibited in the country.

According to NCA3 Marie J. Gomez, the prosecutor, on Friday 10th July, 2020, around 7:30 in the morning, drug law enforcement agents at Manjai led by NCO1 Nuha Bojang and MCA3 Lamin Manjang, visited the alleged drug peddler after receiving information about him.

Upon arrival at his residence, they introduced themselves and told the accused that they wanted to conduct a search. 

The alleged drug pusher peacefully complied, and after the first search session, a bag containing 6 wraps of suspected cannabis was found.

He was further escorted to his living room, where other 24 wraps were discovered and seized. In his bedroom, two bundles of suspected marijuana were discovered as well. 

He was asked about the suspected cannabis in his possession, he voluntarily accepted that they were his, and thus, was arrested and taken to the police station. 

The accused, Madi Markalo, confirmed all that which is said to have happened during the search and eventual arrest.

According to the narration of the prosecutor, on the 13th of July, this same year, he was escorted to where the cannabis was weighed in his presence. 

The suspected cannabis was also examined at a police lab, and it was confirmed to be cannabis, which the defendant accepted.

After some documents were tendered by the prosecutor, and examined by Magistrate Dunn Njie, he was asked whether he accepted the allegations. He sincerely admitted to all the allegations levelled against him.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba