GUILTY: Banta Keita Convicted in Massive 2021 Container Cocaine Case
A Gambian fugitive, Banta Keita, was convicted on Thursday of aggravated drug trafficking in connection with a 2021 shipment of nearly three tonnes of cocaine at the Banjul port, but acquitted on nine other charges, including money laundering and conspiracy.
Justice Zainab Nguie Mboob of the High Court delivered the verdict after a trial conducted in absentia, finding that Keita, also known as Lassana Kante, orchestrated the importation of four containers—allegedly filled with industrial salt—one of which concealed 118 bags of cocaine totaling 2,952 kilograms and 850 grams. Forensic tests, including TruNarc analysis, confirmed the substance as cocaine.
The court concluded that Keita had “constructive possession” of the narcotics, citing his use of aliases and proxies to arrange the shipment. Under Gambian law, the quantity of drugs found exceeded the 250-gram threshold, resulting in the aggravated trafficking charge.
However, Justice Mboob acquitted Keita on nine remaining counts. These included a conspiracy charge and eight money laundering charges related to high-value assets allegedly purchased with illicit proceeds, including three properties, three vehicles, a speedboat, and bank accounts under company names. The court found the prosecution had not proven these charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Notably, the court ruled the Bijilo property could not be linked to criminal activity, as it had been purchased in 2011, outside the 2016–2021 period under investigation. Regarding the vehicles and speedboat, the court cited the absence of evidence proving they were acquired to conceal illicit funds and criticized the prosecution for failing to present readily available documentation, such as registration and insurance records.
The defense also presented testimony from Keita’s ex-wife, who confirmed that substantial funds from her inheritance were used for some real estate purchases, challenging the prosecution’s claims of illicit financing.
In sentencing, Justice Mboob acknowledged the severity of drug trafficking, calling it a crime that “destroys lives,” but imposed a fine of 30 million Dalasis (approximately $600,000) and, in default of payment, 25 years of imprisonment with hard labor. The judge noted that Keita appeared to be a first-time offender who had not succeeded in distributing or benefiting from the imported drugs and encouraged him to use the sentence as an opportunity for rehabilitation.
Following the ruling, the Director of Public Prosecutions announced the state’s intention to appeal. Keita was granted bail pending the appeal, set at 50 million Dalasis with two Gambian sureties who hold property of equivalent value.
The case marks one of the largest drug seizures in Gambia’s history and underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to combat organized narcotics trafficking.