Gambia anti-drug agency nabs Nigerian with 90,020 ecstasy pills

The seized drugs. Photo credit: DLEAG

A 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Godwin, has been arrested by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the Gambia, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected equipment for manufacturing illicit drugs

According to the agency, Godwin was arrested on August 24, 2026, with the tablets and quantities of suspected cannabis ruderalis, commonly known as skunk.

This was contained in a statement posted on Facebook and signed by its spokesperson, Dawda Sanyang, on Friday.

The agency added that the seizure was the first of its kind recorded in The Gambia, stressing the changing nature of drug trafficking threats in the country.

The suspect, according to the statement, remains in custody as investigations continue to identify other individuals or networks allegedly connected to the operation.

It added that the discovery raised concerns about the possible establishment of clandestine laboratories for the production of synthetic drugs in the country.

The agency said the development demonstrated its determination to prevent not only the trafficking of illicit drugs into the country, but also attempts to establish local production facilities.

“The suspect remains in the agency’s custody as investigations continue while the investigators pursue all necessary measures to identify and dismantle networks or individuals connected with this operation,” the statement said.

Ayoola Olasupo is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with six years of experience reporting on metro, crime, human-interest interviews, politics, and feature stories. He focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices and producing stories that promote justice, empathy, and informed public dialogue. Ayoola’s reporting reflects practical newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a dedication to accurate, impactful, and socially conscious journalism.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.