First and foremost, on behalf of the Governing Board, Management and Staff of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the website of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia.
DLEAG is the lead Government Security institution responsible for enforcing the Drug Control Act (DCA) 2003 and all other international protocols and Conventions relative to drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related crimes that The Gambia is a signatory to.
Since its establishment, the Agency has gone through a rigorous transformation with the objective of ensuring that its operational activities are in line with internationally recognized standards.
Over the years, the Government of The Gambia has had zero tolerance for drug abuse and trafficking while ensuring that it works closely with all stakeholders in drug demand reduction.
The adverse impact and complex nature of drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related organised crimes like money laundering, human trafficking, maritime trafficking, cyber crime and terrorism continue to pose serious challenges to The Gambia, Africa and the world at large.
Criminal networks continue to engage in national and trans-national organized crime, thereby threatening the peace, security and development of countries across the world.
The rapidly changing socio-economic climate coupled with the advent of new Psychoactive Substances and the demand for them have contributed immensely to the magnitude of the world`s drug problem. The complexity of this problem has been compounded by the changing patterns of drug abuse, its supply and distribution.
Because of its location, the West Africa region continues to be used by drug traffickers as transit routes for illicit drugs heading to Europe from Southern America and Asia.
The seizure of over a billion dollars worth of Cocaine in The Gambia in 2010 is a clear manifestation that no single nation is immune from the dangers posed by illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
The Agency has since intensified its operational activities and strengthened its collaboration and partnership with sister services and international stakeholders in the sharing of intelligence relative to drugs.
Equally, we have been engaging youths and communities through sensitization campaigns and other forms of outreach programs.
Public participation and cooperation is paramount if any nation is to succeed in the crusade against illicit drug abuse. Drugs do not exist in isolation and cannot be curbed by any single entity. Close cooperation and multi - sectoral approach is paramount if we are to succeed.
The Agency will continue to engage all stakeholders and work closely with sister security services at the home front and partners at the regional and international level in combating drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related crimes.
On the drug demand reduction front, the Agency continues to call for closer cooperation between Civil Society Organisations, youth groups, women associations, religious leaders, health workers, community opinion leaders and partners. Close partnerships and multi sectoral programs and activities, alternative development, harm reduction programs, skills development, helping vulnerable groups and societies will greatly help tackle the problem of drug abuse.
With the launching of this web site, the Agency will continue to constantly update the public and its partners about our activities and programs, provide educative materials on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking, and educate, sensitize and foster closer public cooperation and partnership.
Thank you
Alhajie Bakary Gassama
Director General
DLEAG
