Welcome to another edition of the Recap on LamToro News. This is a weekly column that summarizes the major activities of the security services sector in The Gambia every Friday.
Gambia Armed Forces (GAF)
Continuing his tour of military installations across the country, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lt. Gen. Mamat O. Cham and entourage have met soldiers in various barracks from Farafenni to Basse and are currently on the second phase of the tour. The CDS and delegation visited Kartong, Yundum and Fajara Military Barracks.
Yundum Barracks
In Yundum Barracks, the CDS of GAF, Lt Gen Mamat OA Cham on the fourth day of the second phase of his tour, visited the Nigerian Contingent stationed in Yundum.
He then proceeded to Yundum Barracks where he had an interface with community members and troops under command from 1 Infantry Battalion and Defence Headquarters Camp.
Fajara Barracks:
The Chief of Defence Staff’s tour of military installations, ended at the Fajara Barracks where he met members of the community, as well as personnel from the Guards Battalion and the Gambia Armed Forces Training School (GAFTS).
Lt Gen Cham conducted a comprehensive tour of the Fajara Barracks compound and the GAFTS facilities. He also made a visit to the Fajara Barracks Clinic to meet with soldiers receiving medical care. An interactive session was then held, allowing officers and soldiers under command to express their concerns and expectations directly to the army general.
Gambia Police Force (GPF)
GPF, Stakeholders Review The Draft Police Bill
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) is currently consulting with stakeholders and partners, supported by the GIZ Police Programme, to review the draft police bill. The process began on Thusday, 23rd May 2024 at the Bakadagi Hotel.
The consultative meeting brought together representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), FLAG, TANGO, and relevant police oversight institutions. This assembly aims to enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and incorporate diverse perspectives to ensure that the revised draft bill effectively addresses community needs and upholds justice and security standards.
The goal is to craft a legislation that not only meets international best practices but also resonates with and protects the rights and freedoms of the citizens of The Gambia.
Police Secure Convictions For Two Individuals On Charges Of Counterfeiting
The Police Prosecution Unit successfully secured convictions against two Liberian nationals, Jonathan Papafloma and Wilfred Sayee, for counterfeit-related offenses.
The suspects were arraigned before the Banjul Magistrate Court on the following charges:
Purchasing Forged Notes
Obtaining Money by False Pretense, contrary to sections 334 and 288 respectively, of the Criminal Code Cap 10:01 Vol. III, Revised Laws of The Gambia, 2009.
The court handed down the following sentences:
For Count I: A fine of D150,000 each, or, in default, two years in prison with hard labor.
For Count II: A fine of D50,000 each, or, in default, one year in prison with hard labor.
Additionally, both individuals were ordered to pay compensation of D319,000 each; in default, five years in prison with hard labor.
The Office of the Inspector General of Police reaffirms its commitment to swift investigation and prosecution in a bid to ensure public safety and security at all times.
Police Arrest Seven Individuals For Alleged Cyber-Related Crimes
The Anti-Crime Unit on routine patrol have arrested seven Nigerian nationals, aged between 19 and 40 years, for alleged involvement in cyber-related crimes on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
The suspects were found in possession of various electronic devices, including six laptops, ten smartphones, two simple phones, and 25 SIM cards (19 Africell, 2 Qcell, and 4 unidentified).
Following investigation into the matter, the individuals have been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, computer-related extortion fraud, and unlawful possession of devices and data, contrary to sections 173(2), 173(3), 168(3), and 168(4) of the Information and Communication Act, Cap 74, Volume 12.
The police remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain law and order, particularly against cyber-related crimes, and protect citizens from such criminal activities. The public is urged to continue cooperating with the police by reporting any suspicious activities in their communities.
GPF Mourns The Untimely Demise Of Corporal Mikail Jallow
The Gambia Police Force is deeply saddened to announce the untimely demise of our colleague, Corporal Mikail Jallow, who was stationed with the Presidential Guard. He tragically passed away in a fatal accident involving one of the advance team vehicles of the Presidential convoy while on tour on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Corporal Jallow was laid to rest in his hometown of Nyoro Jataba on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
May Allah (SWT) grant him the eternal bliss of Jannatul Firdaws. Ameen!
Police Arrest Thirty-Seven Year-Old For Alleged Burglary
The Kanifing PIU Charlie Company arrested 37-year-old Guinean national Modou Camara at his residence in Brusubi on suspicion of burglary on Wednesday night, May 22, 2024.
The arrest followed multiple tip-offs regarding his alleged involvement in burglary activities. During the operation, the police discovered and seized several tools believed to be used for breaking and entering.
Anti-Crime Unit Embarks On Coordinated Joint Patrol
The Anti-Crime Unit has embarked on a well-coordinated joint patrol by the Banjulunding and Koto ACU this evening, May 23, 2024.
ACP Momodou Sowe, Commissioner of Anti-Crime, briefed officers on maintaining discipline while executing their duties. The patrol is expected to cover both hotspot areas in the West Coast Region and Kanifing. The police strongly solicit the cooperation of the public in efforts to maintain peace and security in our nation, The Gambia.
Police Recover Non-Lethal Firearms In A Resident At Kanifing South
In a joint operation with the Sheriff’s Division of Banjul, armed with a court order, Police of KM Region conducted a search at the residence of Dukureh Sisawo in Kanifing South on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
The search yielded several concerning items, including:
1. Two pistols
2. One plastic bottle containing rubber bullets
3. Three passports bearing the name Dukureh Sisawo
5. Two loaded magazines
6. Five rubber bullet magazines
Preliminary investigations and examinations of the weapons have determined that these weapons are non-lethal. However, they could potentially be used to threaten and facilitate criminal activities.
At the time of the search, Mr. Dukureh was out of the country.
The Gambia Police Force strongly reminds citizens to avoid the illegal harboring or possession of weapons. The public is encouraged to continue reporting any such activities to the nearest police station to maintain peace and security.
GPF And Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center Conclude Child Protection Training
The Gambia Police Force, in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center (KAIPTC) in Accra, Ghana, has successfully concluded a two-week training on Child Protection for security officers of The Gambia at Paradise Suites Hotel on Friday, May 24, 2024.
The event marked the successful completion of a crucial training program aimed at enhancing child protection measures. Mr. Ebrima Bah, Assistant Inspector General of Police Administration, served as a facilitator for KAIPTC.
Deputy Inspector General Momodou Sowe, speaking on behalf of the IGP, expressed gratitude to both the facilitators and participants, highlighting the importance of applying the knowledge acquired to improve child protection efforts.
ACP Osman Abdul Razak, Course Director for KAIPTC, emphasized the significance of the training in safeguarding the welfare of children.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, recognizing their commitment and successful completion of the course.
Gambia Police Force Concludes Training Of Trainers For Officer Retraining Program
The Gambia Police Force successfully concluded a two-week Training of Trainers session on Friday, May 24, 2024, as part of the preparations for the ongoing training of the 2021/2022 intakes.
Pateh Jallow, Acting AIG for Police Operations, spoke on behalf of IGP Touray, expressing his satisfaction with the program and challenging the trainers to uphold high standards in their delivery.
ACP Sambujang Fatty, Director of Training, extended his gratitude to the police management for supporting this significant initiative, which is a cornerstone of the ongoing police reform agenda within the GPF.
The retraining of officers from the 2021 and 2022 intakes will commence on Monday, May 27, 2024, aiming to enhance service delivery.
Police Regional Command Of Urr Receives Donated Items
The Regional Police Command of the Upper River Region received valuable items donated by former ward councillor, Sainey Kanuteh, on Thursday, May 22, 2024.
The donated items include 17 riding spectacles, 13 black face masks, and 26 traffic jackets.
During the handing-over ceremony, Mr. Kanuteh expressed profound delight in supporting the internal security of Basse.
Chief Superintendent Momodou Lamin Sonko, on behalf of IGP Touray, expressed appreciation for the gesture and promised the judicious use of the donated items. He also called on others to emulate Mr. Kanuteh’s efforts.
DLEAG
WEEKLY SITUATIONAL UPDATE ON SUPLLY SUPPRESSION AND DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ‘9TH – 15TH MAY 2024’
SUMMARY OF SEIZURE STATISTICS
TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES AND ARREST
Supply suppression regimes resulted in the apprehension of twenty-one (21) male suspects involved in eighteen (18) cases. Twenty (20) of them are Gambians and the remaining one is a Sierra Leonean.
TOTAL QUANTITIES OF DRUGS SEIZED
The cumulative total quantities of drugs seized for the reporting period equates to the following breakdown.
Cannabis Sativa
• 59 bundles, 5 parcels, 147 wraps and some quantities.
Kush
• 172 wraps
Skunk
• 6 medical plastic bags and 13 pieces.
Crack Cocaine
• 1 stone
HIGHLIGHT OF THE LOCATIONS OF REGIONAL SEIZURES
WEST COAST REGION
• Brufut TAF estate
• Qcity
• Tujereng estate
• Gunjur
• Lamin Babylon
• Old Yundum Garage
• Sinchu Alagie
• Sukuta
• Nema Kunku
KANIFING MUNICIPALITY
• Ebo Town
• Manjai
• Bundung Jola Kunda
BANJUL DIVISION
• Banjul Pinyai
• Mile 2 Central Prison
NORTH BANK REGION
• Barra
UPPER RIVER REGION
• Sanuding
OVERVIEW OF WEEKLY SEIZURE
❖ The classes of prohibited drugs seized for the reporting period are cannabis sativa, kush, skunk, and crack cocaine.
❖ All the accused persons are adult males.
❖ The nationality of the accused persons are Gambians and a Sierra Leonean.
❖ The arrestees are between the ages of 18 and 48.
❖ The occupations of the arrestees are business, laborer, carpenter, painter, tile man, mechanic, mason, ceiling designer, welder man, woodworker, driver, and an herbalist.
❖ Vehicles were used as the means of concealment for two (2) of the cases from Brufut TAF estate.
– In one of the case involving three (3) adult male Gambians, twenty (20) bundles of cannabis sativa were concealed in the boot of a BMW X5 vehicle with registration number BJL 5038 S.
– In the other case equally involving three (3) adult male Gambians, two separate vehicles were used to conceal a cumulative total quantity of 13 bundles of cannabis sativa. The vehicles are C – Class Mercedes Benz with registration number BJL 1779 X and POLO BJL 0968 T.
DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION
Preventive drug demand reduction programs and activities centered on radio talk shows, and participation in a documentary school project for Undergraduate students pursuing BSc. Degree In Journalism at the University of The Gambia (UTG).
The radio talk shows were held over GRTS radio, Star FM, Islamic Al – Falaq radio. and Soma Community radio station. We were also invited for a discussion on the drug situation in The Gambia on QTV.
Press statement
Seizure Of 91 Parcels Of Skunkweed And 1988 Ecstasy Tablets
The DLEAG Sensitive Investigation Unit and the Seaport Command in a highly coordinated operation made a record seizure of 76 parcels of skunkweed weighing 42kg 800g and 1988 tablets of Ecstasy on Saturday 18th May 2024. This operation was preceded by the seizure of 15 parcels of skunkweed from the same source on Thursday 18th April 2024. In total, a record amount of 91 parcels of skunkweed and 1988 tablets of ecstasy was seized.
This breakthrough disrupt the criminal activities of a major Gambian skunk and Ecstasy trafficking ring based in Atlanta, Georgia – USA. The sender of the drugs is identified as 32-year-old Musa Keita, a Gambian based in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States of America. Shipping records indicates that Musa has imported into the Gambia since early 2021 huge quantity of drugs in various consignments using unsuspecting container freight service providers. The boxes will often be labelled with fake names and telephone numbers and declared as food stuffs and medicaments for his mother.
His mother Hulay Touray, age 58 of Sukuta will received the boxes from the shipper and serve as the first line in the local distribution chain. Hulay is currently arrested and detained while Musa remain a fugitive in the United States of America.
School Outreach Program At Soma Bialingual High School
DLEAG’s LRR Regional Command organised an outreach program on Wednesday 22nd day May 2024 at Soma Billingual High school.
Mr Njaga O Jatta, DLEAG’s LRR regional operation commander presented on the functions and mandate of DLEAG and the drug situation in the Region. He also used the opportunity to call on the public to join the bandwagon in the crusade on drugs and related activities.
On his part Mr saada Baldeh, the Regional Scribe presented on the health implications of illicit drug trafficking and abuse. He enjoined students to distance themselves from illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
Mr Adama Bah, the Regional Public Affairs, Communications and Drug Demand Reduction officer presented on the legal implications of illicit drug trafficking and abuse. He also used the opportunity to advise students to value their education, make wise choice and abstain from will forms of Substance use.
Mr. Bah further disclosed that Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Drug Induced Psychosis (DIP) account for the majority of the admission and treatment cases at the country’s only Psychiatric Hospital. He therefore called on them to value their physical, mental and social wellbeing by abstaining from drugs and saying no to anyone who offers them drugs.
Thirteen Persons In Custody For Drug-Related Charges ( Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Resin, Ecstasy, Kush)
23 years old Lamin Bojang a resident of Brikama Kabafita, a carpenter by profession and 19 years old Ansumana Badjie a resident of Basori and an apprentice by profession were arrested at Kabafita layout by Brikama DLEAG station on the 18th May 2024 at around 12:35 hours GMT onwards with (2) big bundles of suspected and (1) wrap of cannabis sativa which is concealed in cement paper, white and black color bag and a yellow bucket respectively.
20 years old Musa Sambou a residemt of Banjul and fisherman by profession was arrested by Banjul DLEAG at the ferry terminal on the 20th May 2024 at around 13:00 hours GMT onwards with (16) wraps of suspected cannabis sativa which is concealed in white papers.
66 years old Lamin Chaw a resident of Bijilo and a fisherman by profession was arrested by Kairaba DLEAG station on the 20th May 2024 at around 17:12 hours GMT onwards with (6) parcels of suspected cannabis sativa which is concealed in cement papers and placed inside a multicolor nylon bag.
21 years old Alieu Fofana a painter, 24 years Karamba Conteh a business man and 18 years old Lamin Keita a fisherman were both arrested at Brufut on the 20th May 2024 at around 15:00 hours GMT onwards with (10) tablets of ecstasy (controlled drug) which is concealed in red color bag and a transparent nylon bag respectively.
20 years old Baboucarr Jallow a resident of Banjul was arrested at Pinyai by Banjul DLEAG on the 21st May 2024 at around 12:00 hours GMT onwards with (14) wraps of suspected kush, (5) pieces of cannabis resin and (6) tablets of ecstasy which were concealed in white papers and placed inside a transparent nylon bag.
26 years old Musa Jallow a resident of Brikama and a mechanic by profession was arrested by Brikama DLEAG on the 20th May 2024 at around 15:00 hours GMT onwards with (88) wraps of suspected kush which is concealed in white papers and placed inside medicine sachets.
32 years old Mustapha Sanyang a resident of Farato and a labourer by profession was arrested by Tallinding DLEAG station at Ebotown on the 21st May 2024 at around 16:45 hours GMT onwards with (1) big bundles of suspected cannabis sativa ehich is concealed in cement paper and placed inside a multi color bag respectivel.
24 years old Basirou Saine a Senegalese and a resident of Kaolack and a driver by profession was arrested by Soma DLEAG station at Jenoi Checkpoint on the 21st May 2024 at around 13:00 hours GMT onwards with (1)medium bundle of suspected cannabis sativa which is concealed in cement papers and placed inside a red and black color bag respectively.
All the suspects are currently in custody while further investigations continue.
Source: Information was culled from GPF, DLEAG and GAF.
