By Makutu Manneh
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has announced the seizure of an estimated D40 million worth of ecstasy pills following a month-long sting operation that culminated on 16 September 2025. The operation, described as one of the agency’s most significant in recent years, also led to the arrest of two Gambian nationals.
According to DLEAG, a total of 401,767 pills of suspected ecstasy were confiscated as part of its intensified campaign against drug trafficking and abuse.
The two suspects, identified as Fallou Cham and Mariama Jawara, were arrested at different locations. Cham was apprehended at London Corner in Serrekunda with 1,767 pills, while Jawara was taken into custody at her residence in Brufut.
Subsequent investigations uncovered a large cache of drugs hidden in a residence in Sukuta used as a storage bunker. Officers recovered 11 suitcases containing 80 packets of suspected ecstasy, each packet holding 5,000 pills. Authorities also seized D967,700, 175,000 CFA, and 50,100 euros, believed to be proceeds of the illicit trade.
“Preliminary inquiry into the matter reveals that the said drugs were shipped from Holland. Mariam, whose husband is said to be residing in Holland, shipped the said drugs to The Gambia while Mariama plays a central role in coordinating the drug trafficking operations,” DLEAG said in a statement.
Both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.