Africa-Press – Gambia. A senior police official testified Monday in the ongoing trial of Paulo Djabi, his wife Nadine Ismael de Gouveira Pereira, and Mamadu Neto Djabi, who are facing 21 charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Amadou Kujabi, assigned to the crime unit at Brikama Police Station, appeared before Justice Jaiteh at the High Court in Banjul. He told the court that he was part of a multi-agency team formed in August 2023 to investigate a suspected drug cartel following an intelligence report.
According to the prosecution, Mr. Djabi is alleged to have laundered proceeds from drug-related activities between 2021 and 2023, using the funds to purchase 13 vehicles, three motorbikes, and a jet ski. He has denied all charges.
Superintendent Kujabi said the investigation began with a review of Mr. Djabi’s phone records, which revealed frequent communication with Malick Jallow, a security guard stationed at the Banjul International Airport. Mr. Jallow was subsequently arrested and questioned by investigators.
During interrogation, Mr. Jallow reportedly admitted to knowing Mr. Djabi and said the accused had contacted him for assistance with baggage handling at Brussels Airport. He also told investigators that the two men had become friends and that he had visited Mr. Djabi’s residence in Fajara and accompanied him to nightclubs.
Based on this lead, Superintendent Kujabi said the panel developed a strategy to apprehend Mr. Djabi. Due to concerns about possible resistance to arrest, the team requested armed support. Surveillance of the suspect was initiated, led by Omar Cham, a director at the State Intelligence Service.
Mr. Djabi and his wife were arrested around 1 a.m. on a Sunday while returning from Envy Nightclub. The arrest took place at the former residence of a vice president in Fajara. A small quantity of what is believed to be crystal methamphetamine was found on Mr. Djabi during the arrest, Superintendent Kujabi testified.
The court adjourned the matter to October 6 for the continuation of the trial.
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