Prison Visit Turns to Prosecution: Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Drugs into Mile 2

A woman accused of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into The Gambia’s main prison facility has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to multiple charges, court officials said.

The defendant, Bintou Jallow, appeared before the Banjul Magistrate’s Court, where she admitted to three counts of possession of prohibited substances allegedly intended for delivery to the Mile 2 Central Prison during a visit.

Presiding over the case, Principal Magistrate M. Krubally ordered Ms. Jallow to be held at the same facility pending further proceedings, citing both the seriousness of the charges and her own admission of guilt.

According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police M.A. Mendy of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), Ms. Jallow was arrested on March 16, 2026, while visiting the prison. Authorities said she was found in possession of multiple controlled substances.

Court records indicate the charges include possession of 264 grams of cannabis, 5.526 grams of hashish, and 4 grams of clonazepam, a sedative with potential for abuse. The charges were brought under provisions of the Drug Control Act.

During the hearing, the court took steps to ensure that Ms. Jallow, who was not represented by counsel, fully understood the proceedings. At her request, a Wolof interpreter was provided, and the charges were read and translated line by line.

When asked to enter her plea, Ms. Jallow responded “guilty” to each count.

Despite the plea, the prosecution told the court it was not yet ready to present the full facts of the case, explaining that investigation files were still being finalized. Prosecutors requested an adjournment to allow time to complete their case.

Magistrate Krubally denied bail and ordered Ms. Jallow’s continued detention, stating that her “voluntary and judicial confession” warranted remand pending the presentation of evidence.

The case was adjourned to April 6, 2026, when prosecutors are expected to outline the full circumstances of the arrest. The court is then expected to proceed with conviction and sentencing.