Brikama Magistrates’ Court: 3 Government Workers Convicted in Drug Trafficking

On Thursday, 8 October 2026, Magistrate A. Darboe of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court in The Gambia convicted and sentenced three government workers, Yankuba Nyassi, Adama Tabally, and Musa Jammeh, after they pleaded guilty to possessing 44kg 402g of cannabis for the purpose of drug trafficking.

This conviction highlights the Gambian judiciary's firm stance against drug trafficking, particularly when government employees are involved, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and illicit activities within public service. It underscores the severe penalties associated with drug offenses under Gambian law, serving as a deterrent and reinforcing public trust in the legal system's ability to prosecute such crimes regardless of the perpetrator's position. The significant quantity of cannabis involved further emphasizes the gravity with which such offenses are treated, reflecting a commitment to combating the illicit drug trade.

This case falls squarely under The Gambia's drug control legislation, most notably the Drug Control Act, which criminalizes the possession, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances like cannabis. The Brikama Magistrates’ Court, as a court of first instance within The Gambia's judicial hierarchy, possesses the jurisdiction to hear and determine such criminal matters, especially where guilty pleas are entered. The mention of