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Gambia: Man in court for drug trafficking

Lamin Jammeh, a native of Farafenni town in the North Bank Region, was on Thursday arraigned before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court presided over by Magistrate EF Mbaye, for drug trafficking, contrary to the laws of The Gambia.

According to the particulars of the offense, Lamin Jammeh on 10th July, 2006 at Farafenni town, was found in possession of 4kg and 90g of prohibited drug (cannabis).  When the charge sheet was read to him, he pleaded guilty.

NCA (1) Ceesay, who represented the National Drug Enforcement Agency in his testimony told the court that, the National Drug Enforcement Agency offices at Farafenni received an information that the said accused was suspected of drug trafficking, and NDEA officers went to inspect the accused person's house at Farafenni Dutokoto; one big bundle and some qualities of cannabis were found. 

According to his testimony, the accused was then arrested and taken to Farafenni Police Station where he was charged and detained for further legal actions. He further stated that the following day, the accused was escorted to weigh the cannabis before he thumb printed the certificate in the presence of Mr JC Faye, a Narcotic Officer who also signed the certificate that confirmed a gross weight of 4kg and 90g of the said drug. 

He added that after escorting the accused back to the station, the samples were taken from the said drug office and sent to the  National Drug Enforcement Agency for substantial confirmation.

NCA (1) Ceesay tendered the reports in court and were taken as exhibits.

In his mitigation plea, Lamin Jammeh begged the court to have mercy on him, that he is a family man that has fifteen mouths to feed.

Cautioning the accused, Magistrate Mbaye told the court that since the accused has convinced the court by pleading guilty to the charge preferred against him, it is the duty of the court to see what actions to be taken.

According to Magistrate Mbaye, the laws of the Gambia state that “anyone caught with drugs will be charged nothing less than one million dalasis and to serve 10 years in custody. This was ratified by the National Assembly and endorsed by the President”.

He then made it clear to the court that most drug cases are held in the chambers for two reasons.  One, to preserve the image of the country and to avoid plea bargaining. He then adjourned the case for Thursday May 24th.

NCA (1) Ceesay represented the NDEA.