By Seedy Jobe
A woman was arrested on Monday at Mile 2 Central Prison in Banjul after prison officials said she attempted to smuggle suspected drugs into the facility during a routine visit.
The suspect, identified as Binta Jallow, a resident of Brikama Newtown, was detained while delivering food to a remand prisoner, according to a statement from the Gambia Prison Service.
Officers conducting a standard security screening discovered a plastic bag concealed inside a food container. The package contained what authorities described as suspected cannabis and pills, which were deemed contraband upon inspection.
“The suspect had visited the prison to deliver food to a remand prisoner. During a routine security check carried out by prison officers, a plastic bag containing suspected cannabis and pills was discovered hidden inside a bowl. The items were identified as contraband during the inspection,” the statement said.
Prison officials said Ms. Jallow was taken into custody at the scene and later handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia, which is leading the investigation. She is expected to face charges under the country’s drug control laws.
“The prison authorities, in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, reaffirm their commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring safety and order in all correctional facilities nationwide,” the statement added.
In its statement, the prison service said it was working closely with anti-narcotics authorities to prevent the entry of illegal substances into correctional facilities and to maintain order within the prison system.
Officials also warned that attempts to smuggle prohibited items into prisons constitute a serious criminal offense and urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in efforts to combat drug trafficking.
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