The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has distanced itself from a driver arrested on Saturday with cannabis while driving one of the party’s pickup trucks.

UDP said in a statement that the driver was not a member of the party and that he was a mechanic assigned to repair the vehicle.

“The UDP wants to make it categorically clear that the driver at the time of the incident is not a member of the party but a mechanic tasked to repair the vehicle in question.

“The United Democratic Party commends the Gambia Police Force for its continued vigilance in fighting crime and asks that a thorough investigation be done and the culprits punished for breaking the laws of The Gambia to the letter,” the party said.

“The UDP is disappointed that the mechanic betrayed the trust of the party by allegedly being in possession of cannabis while using our vehicle. The party is offering to cooperate with the police to make sure this matter is put to rest; and the UDP continues to strive for a crime-free Gambia.”