Two foreign nationals have been arrested at Banjul International Airport after they were allegedly found with 11,771 suspected ecstasy pills and 18 large stones of suspected crystal methamphetamine concealed inside their suitcases.

The suspects have been identified as 26-year-old Spanish national Augustina Ayela Monzon and 24-year-old Argentinian national Maria Cantero Ali.

According to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), the two women were arrested with the suspected drugs concealed in a pink and a black-coloured suitcase.

The airport arrests form part of a wider nationwide operation in which DLEAG says it arrested 21 suspected drug offenders during the period under review.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 65, include 18 Gambians, one Sierra Leonean, one Spanish national and one Argentinian national. Nineteen are male and two are female.

DLEAG said the arrests were made across several regions and municipalities, including 10 in the West Coast Region, six in the Kanifing Municipality, four in the Upper River Region and one in the Central River Region.

Among the other arrests, 22-year-old Omar Jarju of Kerewan was arrested with three stones of suspected crack cocaine, while 21-year-old Abdoulie Ceesay, also of Kerewan, was allegedly found with two stones of suspected crack cocaine and a wrap of suspected cannabis sativa.

DLEAG also reported several arrests involving suspected cannabis, kush, skunk, molly and other controlled substances.

The agency said the arrests are part of intensified nationwide operations targeting the trafficking, dealing, possession and abuse of illicit drugs.

DLEAG said the operations are aimed at disrupting drug networks and preventing the circulation of controlled substances, while also protecting communities, particularly young people, from the effects of drug abuse.

The agency said it continues to combine enforcement with public awareness, prevention and community engagement as part of its wider response to drug trafficking and substance abuse.

All 21 suspects are currently in custody as investigations into their respective cases continue.

DLEAG said it remains committed to combating illicit drug trafficking and strengthening efforts to safeguard communities across The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba