New Complex to Toughen Anti-Drug Crusade

In an effort to build-up the crusade against illegal drugs, The Gambia government has put-up a magnificent complex for National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA).

Situated in Kanifing municipality, Kairaba Avenue, a business hub, the building was constructed at a tune of D1.9m. It now serves as the head office of the national anti-drug watchdog, initially housed in the capital, Banjul.  

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by The Gambian vice president, Isatou Njie Saidy, who reiterated government's zero tolerance for drugs.

The Gambia has witnessed a growing rate of illegal drugs trade in recent times, involving and allegedly involving even some top national security personnel, parliamentarian, and other government officials.  

For instance, the former police chief and former anti drug chief have been sacked over allegations of drugs and are facing trial at High Court.

These were preceded by the impounding of cocaine worth over billions of dollars kept in a warehouse in Bonto village - dozens of kilometers from the capital, Banjul.

This incident alarmed the authorities and the delivery of nine fleet of vehicles by the president to NDEA last year seems to spur action in the anti-drug agency as one drugs suspect is nabbed in every two days.

"The importance of providing this site to serve as NDEA's head office does not lie in the already expressed beauty of the building, nor is it provided for the mere sake of it,” warned VP Njie-Saidy.

“The importance lies rather in the fact that the building is as much a confirmation as it is a warning that the government of The Gambia is ardently resolved to use every possible means to fight drugs, and to prevent drugs taking root in this country," Jammeh said.

She admitted: “In the past few years, our part of the continent has become a hub for large scale production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs".

“This is a worrisome development that requires the concerted collaboration of all at individual, community, national, regional and continental levels to curb the menace,” she added further, expressing hope that with a collective involvement of all Gambians, we will succeed in turning the tide in achieving a drug-free Gambia.

She added: “We should all regard the fight against illicit drugs as a genuine crusade in order to preserve human dignity and respect, as well as prevent the sanctity and quality of life from falling into sub-human standards."

NDEA Executive Director Benedict Jammeh, speaking at the ceremony, said fighting drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking cannot be successful without the active involvement and support of the communities.

He emphasized that the drugs they seize everyday are not seized from anywhere, but within the communities.

"Where do we seize them? Not from another country, not from the sky or sea. But in our streets, farmlands, gardens, car packs, markets, toilets, parlors, bedrooms, warehouses, factories, cars, buses," he noted.

According to the head of the NDEA, it is evident that the threats posed by drugs are real and persistent.

"It would, therefore, require positive collaboration and concerted efforts from every responsible person for the fight against drugs to be successful," he added.

The NDEA boss is also aware of the fact that the task ahead is huge, but noted that with the support of the public, the battle would be surely won so that the Gambia would be free from drugs menace.