DLEAG Arrests 21 Suspects, Seizes 11,771 Ecstasy Pills and Suspected Crystal Meth at Banjul Airport

By CTV Africa

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) says it has arrested 21 suspected drug offenders, including two foreign nationals allegedly found with large quantities of suspected illicit drugs at the Banjul International Airport.

According to DLEAG, the two foreign nationals were arrested on 28 September 2026 after authorities allegedly discovered 11,771 pills suspected to be ecstasy and 18 large stones suspected to be crystal methamphetamine concealed in two suitcases.

The suspects have been identified as 26-year-old Augustina Ayela Monzon, a Spanish national, and 24-year-old Maria Cantero Ali, an Argentinian national. DLEAG said the suspected drugs were concealed in pink and black-coloured suitcases.

The airport arrests form part of a wider nationwide operation in which DLEAG says 21 people aged between 18 and 65 were arrested in connection with suspected drug-related offences.

The agency said the suspects comprise 18 Gambians, one Sierra Leonean, one Spanish national and one Argentinian national. Nineteen of those arrested are male and two are female.

The arrests were recorded across several parts of the country, including the West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipality, Upper River Region and Central River Region.

Among the other cases, DLEAG reported the arrest of 22-year-old Omar Jarju of Kerewan, who was allegedly found with three stones of suspected crack cocaine on 23 September. On the same day, 21-year-old Abdoulie Ceesay, also of Kerewan, was arrested with two stones of suspected crack cocaine and a wrap of suspected cannabis sativa.

DLEAG also reported several arrests involving suspected cannabis, kush and skunk. These included 27-year-old Edward Gomez of Kololi, who was allegedly found with 18 pieces of suspected kush, and 29-year-old Seedy Conteh of Old Jeshwang, who was arrested with 61 pieces of suspected kush.

In another operation, 33-year-old Dodou Jagne of Dippa Kunda was arrested with 27 sachets of suspected cannabis ruderalis and five wraps of suspected kush, according to the agency.

DLEAG said the operations are targeting the dealing, trafficking, possession and abuse of cannabis and other controlled substances across the country.

The agency said the arrests demonstrate its continued efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent prohibited substances from circulating in Gambian communities, particularly among young people.

DLEAG also highlighted its work beyond arrests and seizures, saying it continues to engage communities and other stakeholders through public awareness, prevention and community-based interventions aimed at addressing drug trafficking and substance abuse.

All 21 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, DLEAG said.

The agency stressed that the substances seized remain suspected illicit drugs, pending further investigation and any applicable laboratory or judicial processes.