Kanifing Magistrate Court Grants Samba Keita D150,000 Bail in Cannabis Possession Case

Lady Justice © Askanwi Media

By Fatoumata Konteh

The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has granted Samba Keita bail in the sum of D150,000 in a case involving the alleged possession of 870 grammes of cannabis sativa, a prohibited drug under Gambian law.

Keita was granted bail on Monday, 12th October 2026, by Magistrate F.J. Camara, after appearing before the court on a charge of possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 35(2)(c) of the Drug Control Act 2014, as amended.

The case was brought by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), represented by Superintendent M.S. Camara.

According to the particulars of the offence, Keita allegedly possessed 870 grammes of cannabis sativa on 4 August 2026 in Pipeline, Kanifing Municipality, without a valid licence.

When the charge was read and interpreted to him in a local language, Keita denied the allegation, saying, “Nothing was found in my possession.”

Following his plea, Superintendent Camara applied for an adjournment to allow the prosecution to secure the attendance of its first witness.

The prosecution also opposed bail, arguing that Keita could commit another drug-related offence if released. Superintendent Camara told the court that the accused had allegedly been involved in similar offences and urged it to consider the need to protect society.

However, the prosecution urged the court to impose strict conditions if it decided to grant bail.

In her ruling, Magistrate Camara noted that the offence was bailable and relied on Section 124 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025 to grant Keita bail.

The court ordered him to enter into a bail bond of D150,000 or provide two responsible Gambian sureties aged above 30 years.

The sureties were also ordered to depose to affidavits of means and deposit their national identity cards or passports with the court registrar.

The case was adjourned to 23rd October 2026 for continuation of proceedings.