Editorial:  Is Hezbollah Using Gambia To Traffic Cocaine To Fuel  International Terrorism??

The Gambia is becoming a hotspot for drug trafficking.  It beats one’s imagination that such a high quantity of cocaine, and arms could be trafficked into this country without the knowledge of our security forces—most importantly the so called “ mighty” National Intelligence Agency—the nation’s main intelligence outfit gathering unit.  This is unfathomable so to speak. There is more to this story.  We shall try to connect the dots as we proceed with this editorial.

First and foremost, there are two theories lingering in the minds of Gambians, and the civilized world. One, there is this talk that there are some powerful Gambian officials connected to the cocaine trade. That, these influential officials conspired with some South American drug cartels to smuggle cocaine and other dangerous drugs into The Gambia—destined for Europe. 

The Western intelligence community—including the International police (Interpol) have long been trailing the “Banjul cocaine” consignment which was trafficked into the impoverished West African country—thanks to the help of the host country—where corrupt anti narcotic officials, and the police openly socialized with drug lords in the region.

The news of England’s participation into the cocaine consignment scandal investigations— just came to light shortly after the Freedom Newspaper lead story—in which we reported that a Gambian Lebanese Palestinian origin one Saide Muktaharr , who is operating a timber Factory in The Gambia,  was connected to the cocaine deal.  Mr. Muktaharr is a close business associate  of President Jammeh .

Those arrested include: Ghanaians, Venezuelans, Dutch, Gambians, and other nationals.  The cocaine trade is a well coordinated scheme. This could not have been possible without the active participation of the host country—The Gambia. 

The second theory suggests that: some Gambian security officials are on the payroll of drug dealers. That,  Gambian security officials conspired with drug dealers to use our sea and airport to traffic drugs to Europe.

Banjul is fast becoming a safe-haven for drug cartels—notably those from the middle east and Southern  America. They could be seen shuttling in and out of the country unchecked. The traffickers are given free border pass without any security scrutiny.  This to some extent had contributed to the high presence of cocaine into the country.

The latest cocaine catch—attracts a street value of  up to one billion United States dollars, per the information coming from the investigators. It is not clear as to what are “the motives” of those associated with the cocaine trafficking, but what is evident though Gambia’s image had been battered. Our country has been listed among the hot zones for cocaine trafficking.

Cocaine trade,  is said to be the fastest means of raising funds to fuel international terrorism now a days. That is why it is crucially imperative for the Banjul cocaine investigators to thoroughly investigate this incident.

 Mr. Saide, is a Gambian Palestine descendant—a nation known to be strong supporters of Hezbollah.  Without any prejudice, Saide should corporate with the investigators.

Mr. Saide Muktaharr, has denied knowledge about the source of the cocaine. We expect him to explain how the cocaine was smuggled into his property in Bonto without his prior knowledge. Why should anyone conceal cocaine at his property?  Was there security on site?  These are some of the questions that needs urgent answers. 

Given the fact that Mr. Saide  has been credited with good personality, and other fine attributes associated with him, he should do himself justice by clearing his image from the allegations of cocaine trafficking.  He can only do this by providing compelling reasons and evidence that he is not connected to the illegal drug.

Saide is the proprietor of the “black mint” company in The Gambia, among other 20 business outlets in the country. He is said to be Gambia’s most  successful businessman, but the discovery of the cocaine consignment at his Bonto timber factory is apparently undermining his integrity.

With the global threat to terrorism, there is absolute need to bring those behind such an international heinous crime to book. We a need a world that is free of terrorism, cocaine, and other social vices hampering  world peace and progress. We rest our case!