Written By Musa Bah:
Last week, the Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the Gambia (DLEAG) announced the discovery and seizure of forty-eight blocks of cocaine hidden in a shipment of sugar. This was revealed to the media and was highly applauded around the country.
During the presser, a question arose as to how much drugs have been seized recently. The DPRO disclosed the amount in tonnes and spoke at length on the efforts of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) in combating the menace of drug abuse.
The revelation surprised many citizens in the country. However, it did not seem to go down well with the leadership of the agency. Citing the potential of causing panic in the society, they allegedly reprimanded the DPRO for making such revelation which was outside the ambit of what she was told to reveal. It didn't matter that this was in answer to a question raised by a journalist.
Rumours have it that it is for that 'misdemeanor' that she is now being moved to their Child Welfare Unit in Burisubi, certainly looks like a demotion. It would therefore seem confirm the statement that 'no good deed goes unpunished'. This raises some questions in our drug law enforcers.
Other sources have revealed to me that after that seizure of forty-eight blocks of cocaine, another eighteen blocks were discovered and seized but never reported to the media. What would be the explanation for this, one might wonder?
Rumours also have it that this type of cocaine consignment entering the country is not new. It is said that it is very common for drugs to find their way into the country in this manner and that the ones responsible would simply dish out money and it will all go hush hush.
Another rumour circulating is that there is a place called Big Apple where one has to be a registered member to enjoy the hospitality offered but that it is actually a drug hub. It is said that a lot of drug deals go on in that place now.
I could not reach the Deputy Public Relations Officer for comments. Similarly, my email to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency did not generate any response. I urge our media to take up this matter and investigate as drugs can destroy our country.