A Senegalese national has been arrested with 72 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa, as part of a wider crackdown on drug trafficking across the country.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Abdoulie Bodiang, was apprehended by officers of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) near Bwiam.

He was reportedly transporting the cannabis in three separate bags on an unregistered black motorcycle.

His arrest forms part of an ongoing national operation that saw 26 individuals taken into custody across the West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipality, and North Bank Region.

The DLEAG says the operation is part of efforts to tackle the growing threat of drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

All of the suspects are male, with 23 Gambian nationals and three Senegalese among those detained.

Seventeen were arrested in the West Coast Region, seven in the Kanifing Municipality, and two in the North Bank Region.

In the West Coast Region, significant seizures included cannabis sativa, resin (commonly known as hashish), and cocaine.

Among the arrested is 54-year-old Ousman Mendy, found in possession of 25 bundles and 55 parcels of suspected cannabis in Jabang.

At a nightclub in Senegambia, 46-year-old Lamin Sarjo was found with quantities of what is believed to be cocaine.

In Kanifing Municipality, several suspects were arrested with suspected synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as “kush”. This included 22-year-old Sainey Dibbasey, allegedly found with 89 wraps in Manjai Kunda, and 23-year-old Edward Gomez, who had 48 wraps in Kololi.

In the North Bank Region, 30-year-old Shering Manneh was arrested in Kerewan with 70 wraps of suspected cannabis, while Ebrima Dampha, aged 35, was arrested in No-Kunda village with additional quantities.

According to DLEAG, all suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. The agency says the arrests reflect a wider regional concern over the trafficking of illicit substances across West African borders, particularly between The Gambia and Senegal.

By Adama Makasuba