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).
DLEAG’s Director of Intelligence and Investigations coordinates the processing of information to actionable intelligence and works closely with the Director of Operations and other unit Commanders.
Intra-Agency and Inter Security collaboration greatly helps disrupt the activities of criminals bent on undermining the peace, stability and development of nations. In The Gambia, DLEAG is proud of the close collaboration that exist between the various armed and security services in this drive.
The Gambia Police Force (GPF), The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), State Intelligence Services (SIS), the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), The Gambia Prison Services (GPS), the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) and the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services (GFRS) have all extroverted in providing assistance to the Agency whenever the need arises.
At the international level, the agency can boast of a cordial working relationship with The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of USA, The Drug Unit at the ECOWAS Commission, the Drug Unit at the African Union Commission, the United States Embassy in The Gambia, The United Kingdom (UK) Embassy in The Gambia, The Turkish Embassy in The Gambia, The European Union, The National Crime Agency (NCA) of UK, and Interpol Bureau.
The establishment of the Joint Airport Interdiction Task Force (JAITF) at the Banjul International Airport has greatly helped the Agency link and share intelligence with partners across the globe.
The Agency continues to engage partners within the region and across the globe in our drive for international collaboration and partnerships in the fight against drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking and related trans-national organised crime.
The Public Relations Office has been spearheading the Agency’s drug demand reduction programs and activities. In order to ensure a balanced approach in tackling the drug menace, we continue to engage relevant stakeholders from the Health Sector, Education, Agriculture, Youth and Sport Coordinators, Civil Society Organisations, Religious Leaders, the Media fraternity and other opinion leaders and stakeholders.
Public participation and collaboration is at the cornerstone of solving the world`s drug problem, the absence of which could defeat our vision of realizing drug free societies.
The new drug demand reduction strategy of the Agency provides for a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach towards solving the problem of drug abuse. It takes into account the special needs of women, children and other vulnerable groups, harm reduction programs, alternative development, human rights and the implementation of internationally recognised evidence based prevention and treatment programs.
In line with recommendations of the UNGASS outcome document and to ensure that our policies and strategies are balanced between demand and supply reduction, the Drug Control Act is presently being reviewed by legal experts. In addition, the Agency is also developing a comprehensive five year strategic master plan in line with international standards.
Setting up of a rehabilitation centre is another priority area for the Agency. We shall therefore continue to engage partners and all relevant stakeholders towards achieving this goal.
