A man arrested with more than two kilograms of cannabis at the Banjul Ferry Terminal has been fined D150,000 or face two years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking.
Muhammed Jallow, who had no prior criminal record, entered his plea at his first appearance before Principal Magistrate M. Krubally and maintained it throughout the proceedings.
The case was prosecuted by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia.
According to court records, Jallow was arrested on November 10, 2025, during routine passenger checks at the terminal while returning from Barra.
Narcotics officers searched his bag and discovered three bundles of cannabis concealed in a black nylon sack and wrapped in cement paper.
He told investigators that the drugs were not his, claiming they had been handed to him by a friend in Jinack village for delivery to Banjul.
Prosecutors said cautionary and voluntary statements were obtained in the presence of an independent witness, while the seized substances were weighed, certified, and submitted for laboratory analysis.
When the case resumed on May 4, the defence did not contest the prosecution’s evidence, including the drugs, statements, and laboratory reports. Jallow confirmed the facts as presented, leading the court to convict him.
In mitigation, defence counsel E. Jamanka urged the court to impose a non-custodial sentence, citing her client’s clean record, cooperation with investigators, early guilty plea, and family responsibilities.
“Custodial sentences should be a last resort, particularly for offenders who have demonstrated remorse,” she submitted.
Magistrate Krubally acknowledged the gravity of the offence, noting it involved trafficking rather than simple possession.
However, he accepted the mitigating factors and, referencing judicial precedent, ruled that a fine was appropriate for a first-time offender. He was ordered to pay D150,000 or serve two years in prison in default.
