By Babucarr Gaye
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) last week arrested three individuals for the cultivation of suspected Cannabis Sativa at Kanilai village, in the West Coast Region.
The Agency says its sting operation resulted in the discovery of nine cannabis plantation farms between Kunjenjeh and Kanilai village in the West Coast Region.
The Public Relations Officer of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Saidybah narrated that the operation which started on the eve of the 5th of October 2024, commencing around 02:00 hours GMT onwards, resulted in the initial discovery of eight farms, and subsequently another one farm by a backup team from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU).
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Office of AIG operations and the PIU backup team for their support and selfless service towards the success of the operation. He similarly extended appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff who on short notice, he said, mobilised necessary logistical support for the operation.
“The level of commitment and support rendered by various security apparatuses shows that if we collaboratively pool our resources and work together, we can make giant strides in the crusade against illicit drugs and all forms of criminality and criminal-related behaviours. Equally, the swift response of sister security services shows that the recent engagement of the DG upon assuming the mantle of leadership of the Agency is paying dividends,” he asserted.
Mr. Saidybah disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody while further investigations continue.
In a separate development, operatives conducted a similar sting operation that the PRO said resulted in the arrest of one Alfred John Francis, an American national and a resident of Sifoe.
“Operatives on the 30th of September 2024 around 08:56 hours GMT onwards seised nine (9) plantations, two (2) parcels and two (2) wraps of suspected Cannabis Sativa from his residence at Sifoe village in the West Coast Region. He was also taken into custody while further investigations into his matter continue.
“Taking into consideration recent trends in the seizure of Cannabis farms and plantations from individuals at diverse locations across the country, we want to make it clear that it is illegal for any individual to plant any form of plantation from which prohibited or controlled drugs can be obtained, as such action violates section 36 of the Drug Control Act 2003,” he cited.
PRO Saidybah emphasised the importance of section 31 (1) (a) which he said prohibits operators and by extension individuals from cultivating cannabis plant, coco bush, opium puppy or any other form of prohibited or controlled drug that is capable of being cultivated. He added that sub (1) (b) prohibits the manufacturing, acquiring or supplying prohibited or controlled drugs.
“Any person found wanting in violation of the aforementioned provisions of the DCA 2003 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than three hundred thousand Dalasis (D300,000.00) for an individual and not less than one million Dalasis (D1,000,000.00) for a body corporate,” he divulged.
In essence, he noted that the law prohibits the cultivation of plants from which prohibited or controlled drugs can be obtained as well as the production and distribution of all forms of prohibited and controlled drugs except where otherwise stated in the Act.
In his conclusion, he urged people to desist from such illegal acts, warning that anyone found wanting would be dealt with accordingly without any fear, favour, affection or goodwill.
