Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia

On Tuesday 16th April 2019 selected participants from The Drug Law Enforcement Agency The Gambia (DLEAG), Ministry of Health, Department of Social Welfare, Religious Leaders, Supportive Activist Foundation (SAF), Journalist Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime (JAIDTOC) etc completed the second cycle of Training of the Trainers (ToT) on the Universal Substance Use Disorder Treatment Curriculum (UTC) at the Senegambia Beach Hotel from the 8 - 16 April 2019.

This cycle of the training covered UTC 3 (Common Co- Occurring Medical and Mental Disorders - An Overview for Addiction Professionals) and UTC 4 (Basic Counseling Skills for Addiction Professionals.

The training was organized by DLEAG in partnership with the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program (DAP) with support from the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

As part of it strategy to enhance national capacities to detect and investigate cross border organised crime in The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Senegal, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with funding from German Government organised a two weeks training program on criminal intelligence analysis for law enforcement officers in The Gambia. Operatives from the Drug Law Enforcement Agency the Gambia (DLEAG), The Gambia Police Force (GPF), State Intelligence Services (SIS) and The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) were trained on skills and techniques in Criminal Intelligence Analysis from the 9th to 20th July 2018 at the Ocean Bay Hotel in Bakau.

DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THE GAMBIA CONDUCTS ANNUAL DRUG DESRTUCTION EXERCISE

The Drug Law enforcement Agency the Gambia (DLEAG) on Thursday 20th April 2017 conducted a public drug destruction exercise at the Cape point Bakau.

The exercise was witnessed by the Honourable Minister of Interior Mai Ahmad Fatty, representative of the Speaker of the National Assembly, representative of Sectary General, representatives of the Attorney General, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Inspector General of Police Yankuba Sonko and representatives of Service Chief’s, members of the press and DLEAG staffs etc

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) is the lead Government Security Outfit legally mandated to regulate and control Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and related activities by enforcing the Drug Control Act 2003 and all international protocols and conventions relative to drugs signed and ratified by The Gambia.

In ensuring that it effectively polices drug abuse and trafficking, the Agency has deployed operatives across the length and breadth of The Gambia.

DLEAG Regional Offices and other specialized units work closely in monitoring drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking and responding to any given circumstance accordingly.

The Director of Operations coordinates the operational activities of the Agency and reports accordingly to the Director General through the deputy Director General 2 (Operations).

Abating Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and related crimes requires a well balanced strategic approach between Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction. The success of Drug Demand Reduction to a great extent depends on the Availability of drugs. This is because; when drugs are readily available, there is a greater chance that they may be abuse.

Supply reduction involves well coordinated strategic domestic and international interdiction activities and legal processes. In the Gambia, DLEAG has been relentless in Enforcing the Provisions of the Drug Control Act 2003 aimed at supply reduction.

Operatives of the Agency are deployed across the length and breadth of the country. DLEAG Regional Commissioners and other specialized units work closely in monitoring drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking and responding according to any given circumstance.

Investing in prevention is a viable and cost effective policy option as it mitigates huge financial commitments required to address treatment and rehabilitation. It forms part of the continuum whereby linkage with treatment and rehabilitation are essential in the provision of comprehensive services colligated to drug abuse.

Prevention involves series of measures taken to educate and sensitize the populace about the dangers and harms associated with drug use. The goal is to prevent or delay the unset of drug use while equally encouraging abusers and addicts to seek help.

In the Gambia, DLEAG acting in conformity with Section 15 m & g of the Drug Control Act (DCA) 2003 respectively has been engaging in series of evidence based preventive drug demand reduction activities and programs.

The Public Relations office continues to spearhead these programs targeting varying audience and segments of society.

In the Gambia and internationally, marijuana also known by many street names remains the most commonly abused illicit drug. Individuals of varying ages and economic status abuse it, though it is most popular among the youths. This is because of it is affordable, commonly available and accesible.

Most of the cannabis sativa found in the Gambia comes from the Cassamance region of Senegal and the West coast region although it is grown in diverse places across the country.

Statistics from seizures reveals the presence of other forms of controlled and prohibited drugs like cocaine, heroin, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Bronazepam.

The advent of new Psychoactive Substances is a threat that the Gambia is equally not exempted from.

The youths are mostly affected by this Endemic. Statistics from the Country only Psychiatric Hospital also show that about 60% of their admission cases are on Drug Induced Psychosis.

Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and related crimes threatens National and Global Sustainable Development. And this situation continues to be worsen by misconception and misinformation not based on fact or evidence about it. As a result many people get expose to drugs and related activities or crimes on a daily base.

Before venturing into drugs, it is imperative that one reflects on the following realities

Since the enactment of the Drug Control Act (DCA) in 2003, the Act remains the only legal instrument guiding the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. All management and operational activities and mandates are derived from the Act.
The objective of the DCA is to ensure that drugs and its attendant problems are contained with adequate measures that guarantee the safety and well-being of society. The need to develop a five-year strategic plan was identified as crucial to serve as a guide to our operations. Accordingly, the Agency is presently developing a strategic plan to cover the period, 2017 to 2021.
This move was triggered by the pressing demand for a formidable response to the disturbing surge of illicit drug trafficking and abuse. The goal is to have a detailed and well tailored strategy to guide and reinforce the enforcement of the Drug Control Act.