Ousainou Darboe, leader of the opposition, has called on government to conduct a thorough investigation into the D4.5 billion drug seizure at the Banjul port.

“The United Democratic Party receives the news of a major drug burst by the agents of NDEA at the Gambia Ports Authority with shock and alarm because of the reputational damage this will cause to the nation’s international image and brand,” the opposition leader said in a statement on Saturday. 

Mr Darboe described the drug seizure, the largest in the country so far, “extremely concerning to the UDP because it makes the Gambia vulnerable to infiltration by international organised crime groups.” 

“The UDP urgently calls on the Gambia Government to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into this matter and to urgently review the security protocols at Gambia Ports Authority in respect of all shipments bound for Banjul.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba