COCAINE CONCEALED AT SILLABA SAMATEH’S HOME?

As Narcotic Officials Launched Massive Search

Cocaine reportedly hidden in Water pipe

By Staff Reporter Bakary Gibba & Pa Nderry M'Bai

Some team of drug squad agents raided the home of the absconded state star witness Sillaba Samateh searching for suspected “concealed” cocaine at his Brushibi house, said an official of the National Drug Enforcement agency.  The raid followed reports that Mr. Samateh had two water pipes at his house—one which was being used by the fugitive for cocaine storage. Details about the outcome of the raid are not forthcoming, but sources close to the NDEA said Mr. Samateh had  been using his home for cocaine trafficking.

Samateh’s sister Jankeh Samateh, and cousin Nema Ceesay have been  detained by the NIA—following his move to jump bail. The state also seized his house, and that of his brother Ibhrima Samateh, who is residing in Mary Land. Armed guards are currently occupying the said houses.

The raid of Mr. Samateh’s house was carried out by top officials of the National Drug Enforcement Agency.  Agency officials said Samateh is wanted in connection with cocaine trafficking in The Gambia. They are working on getting Mr. Samateh extradited to The Gambia to face trial, said an official of the NDEA.

Since his arrival in the Netherlands with his wife and two kids, Sillaba Samateh has been busy settling down. He is yet to issue a public statement on the cocaine trafficking allegations being leveled against him.

Mr. Samateh’s absence in the country had stalled the trial of former police Essa Badjie and others, who are charged with cocaine trafficking, sedition, among other charges.  The prosecutor assigned to the case DPP Richard Chenge was also arrested by the NIA.

 Mr. Sillaba Samateh could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this story. He is free to contact the Freedom Newspaper for his own side of the story.