By Adama Makasuba
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the opposition United Democratic Party, strongly criticized the Barrow government for its lack of effort in apprehending the fleeing Gambian druglord, Banta Keita.
The Gambian government wants Banta Keita after authorities discovered 4.5 million dalasis worth of cocaine in his Fajara residence. Despite being on the run, the French-Gambian man is facing charges of money laundering and drug dealing at the Banjul High Court.
Speaking to his party supporters in Spain, Darboe accused the Gambian government of showing little interest in capturing the fugitive drug lord, whose case has been ongoing for three years. He emphasized the detrimental impact of drug trafficking on Gambian society and urged for a collective effort to combat the issue.
Furthermore, Darboe underscored the dangers of allowing drug traffickers to wield influence in the country, citing the associated increase in crime, corruption, and economic instability. He also questioned the government’s commitment to Keita’s arrest, suggesting that Interpol could have apprehended him with genuine interest from the authorities.
