People from different walks of life on Sunday converged at Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) grounds to join the rest of the world in observing International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking with renewed pledge to arrest the worrying drug crises.
26 June has been set aside by United Nations General Assembly as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking as an expression of determination to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
The event, which was organised by the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA), was held under the theme: “Think Health, Not Drugs”.
It is reported that as a result of poor border controls, weak governments and corrupt law enforcement agencies in the West African region, countries such as Gambia and Guinea Bissau have become ideal transit and destination points for Latin American drug cartels.
“West Africa is fast gaining notoriety as the hub of drug trafficking, with a yearly estimate of over US$ 21.7 billion worth of cocaine transited through the region to the European market,” according to UN estimates.
In June 2010, the largest drug bust in Gambia involved the seizure of more than two tonnes of cocaine worth approximately US$ 1 billion, along with large hoards of money and loaded firearms.
Currently, former police chief and two ex top military officers as well as former anti drug chief and four other top officers are undergoing trial in connection with among others, drug related crimes.
And according to the latest report released mid-June by Gambia’s drug watchdog, about 440 people of various nationalities have been arrested in connection with drug trafficking in 2010.
323 cases involved cannabis trafficking with almost 882 kilogrammes, 19 cases of cocaine smuggling (two tonnes); five cases concerning heroin (52 grammes); six concerning hashish (34 grammes); and six cases involving psychotropic substance control, the official statistics show.
“The president and the government will leave no stone unturned in helping the NDEA wiping all drugs in this country,” said, Dr Abubacarr Senghore, chairman of the Board of Directors of the NDEA.  
The deputy mayor of KMC, Yusupha Sanyang also speaking at the event said, drug problem continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, safety and well-being of humanity, in particularly young people, national security and sovereignty of states.
“The problems of drug also undermine socio-economic growth, political stability and sustainable development,” he said.
He added: “Young people of this country are the future leaders who would shoulder the responsibility of taking over this country long after this current generation retires. We cannot allow these young people to expose to lifestyles that are destructive and counterproductive.”
To this end Mr Sanyang called on the public to join the crusade against drug abuse and trafficking.