Gambia Customs seize 26.4kg of ecstasy tablets at Banjul Airport
Gambia’s Customs authorities have seized 26.4kg of ecstasy tablets hidden in three packages at Banjul International Airport, marking a major drug bust at one of many nation’s busiest entry factors.
The operation happened on the Redcoat space of the airport, with Awa Mendy Samba, customs supervisor on the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), confirming the seizure.
Samba highlighted the significance of shut cooperation between numerous regulation enforcement businesses in combating drug trafficking.
“This operation underscores our commitment to national security and effective revenue collection,” Samba stated.
“We are working alongside the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) and other security partners to ensure the safe handling and transfer of the drugs.”
The interception of ecstasy tablets is the newest in a sequence of profitable drug seizures at Banjul International Airport. Since 2017, the airport has been a focus for drug smuggling makes an attempt, with traffickers utilizing The Gambia as a transit path to Europe and different African nations. Over the previous seven years, authorities have intercepted substantial portions of illicit medicine.
In 2019, Gambia Customs and DLEAG officers confiscated over 100kg of cocaine, hid inside cargo shipments. The similar 12 months, 50kg of ecstasy tablets had been additionally seized. These seizures had been a part of an ongoing pattern, as traffickers more and more focused the airport attributable to its strategic location.
One of the biggest busts occurred in 2021, when authorities intercepted 150kg of ecstasy tablets hidden in a cargo of imported items. Over the years, customs officers have expanded their safety measures, putting in superior scanning know-how and enhancing workers coaching to higher detect hid substances.
In complete, from 2017 to 2024, Gambia Customs has seized over 300kg of ecstasy tablets, together with different unlawful medicine corresponding to heroin and marijuana. The authorities have additionally intensified their efforts, working extra carefully with worldwide regulation enforcement our bodies to deal with the worldwide drug commerce.
Despite the challenges, GRA stays dedicated to securing The Gambia’s borders. “Our officers are dedicated to ensuring that harmful drugs do not enter our communities,” Samba stated. “We will continue to be vigilant and take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the nation.”
By Adama Makasuba
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