The Gambia arrests Nigerian man with 9,000 ecstasy pills and manufacturing equipment

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) of The Gambia has arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian national, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, following a major drug seizure. During the operation on August 24, 2026, authorities recovered 9,020 ecstasy tablets and quantities of suspected cannabis ruderalis, commonly known as skunk.

Significantly, investigators also seized a machine believed to be used for the processing and manufacturing of illicit substances. DLEAG officials noted that this marks the first time such manufacturing equipment has been discovered in the country, raising concerns regarding the potential establishment of clandestine local laboratories for synthetic drug production.

The agency stated that the arrest highlights an evolving threat in regional drug trafficking, shifting from mere transit to potential local manufacturing. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to identify any connected networks.