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Once known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, this small West African nation, The Gambia, with a population of fewer than three million, is experiencing an increase in drug-related activities and crime.
Since the change in government in 2016 that ended the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh, who governed with an iron fist, the new Gambia is now facing a different kind of violence under President Adama Barrow’s leadership.
These criminal activities have made many Gambians question whether the government is doing enough to safeguard its citizens and residents from preventable offences.
In this report, we delve into the complexities of how such crimes impact the country’s population.
Emerging Trends in Drug Trafficking:
A new trend in drug trafficking has surfaced, with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) making notable arrests through both land and air operations.
These incidents have raised considerable public concern.
In 2022, the DLEAG recorded the seizure of 1 ton, 838 kilograms, 408 grams, and 960 milligrams of suspected drugs.
In 2023, the agency seized 1 ton, 954 kilograms, 34 grams, and 492 milligrams of suspected narcotics, while the report for 2024 remains unpublished.
Types of Drugs Seized in Recent Years
The prohibited and controlled substances confiscated in recent years include cannabis sativa, cannabis resin (hashish), cannabis ruderalis (skunk), cannabis plants, kush, cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, clonazepam, methamphetamine, ecstasy, tramadol, diazepam, and MDMA. Read more here
Cases and Arrests in 2023
In 2023, the agency apprehended 623 suspects linked to 633 individuals.
Prosecutions
The agency successfully processed over 152 in various courts nationwide, resulting in 132 convictions and 21 acquittals.
Conflicts of interest
Over the years, individuals have accused the agency officials of having a hand in drug trafficking.
Notably, a magistrate presiding over a significant drug case is also facing trial for alleged drug theft.
The magistrate is accused of stealing drugs that were presented as evidence in court in late 2024.
This situation has also raised concerns regarding trust in the judiciary.
Murder Incidents
Murder cases have continued to dominate news headlines across the country, involving unusual circumstances.
In 2022, incidents such as murder, burglary, and theft were reported extensively.
In September 2024 publication Foroyaa Newspaper, the Minister of Interior revealed that murder cases reported from 2022 to 2023 were 16 and 3 in the first quarter of 2024.
On September 12, 2023, The Gambia experienced a tragic event where two junior police officers were shot dead while on duty, and an officer who survived the attack sustained serious injuries.
This marked the first fatal incident involving law enforcement officers, leaving the nation in shock.
Less than 72 hours later, a suspect named Ousainou Bojang, a resident of Brufut, was arrested in Jululung province in southern Casamance.
Ousainou is currently on trial for murder alongside his sister, who is charged as an accomplice for allegedly assisting his escape after the shooting.
Between January and February 2025, the police recorded over ten homicide cases in various regions, marking the highest number ever documented in the country’s history. See different cases here, here, here, and here.
These ongoing trends have triggered public outrage, resulting in several arrests by the police.
Armed Robberies in 2025
From January to February 2025, The Gambia reported five armed robberies in Farafenni, Njau, Brusubi, Kunkujang, and Banjul.
These crimes are not only unusual but have also heightened public anxiety.
In response to these incidents, the police have successfully apprehended five suspects who are now facing criminal charges as they await court proceedings.
In March 2024, the anti-crime unit of The Gambia’s Police Force arrested five suspects in connection to an attack on Deeper Life Students, a case that sparked outrage within the country.
Rape Cases in The Gambia
A situational report issued by the Gender Management Information revealed that The Gambia recorded 117 rape cases between January and July 2023, The Standard Newspaper reported.
Over the past years, several individuals have been sentenced on charges of rape offences. Read some cases here, here, and here.
Citizens have voiced concerns regarding the escalating crime rates in the country, attributing it to inadequate law enforcement, unemployment, and poor case management.
The police have launched several initiatives to reduce crime and improve safety despite the persistent problems they continue to face.
The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Mukhtar Touray, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to securing the country at a recent press conference, where he addressed ongoing concerns about recent robbery incidents.
“If we cannot ensure the safety of this country and its people, I, Seedy Mukhtar Touray, will resign from my position,” he said.
The IGP added that they have initiated community policing, constant patrols, and school outreach programmes to ensure safety.
