In a significant ruling delivered at the High Court in Banjul, four Portuguese nationals accused of drug trafficking have been acquitted and discharged after the court upheld a no-case submission.
The acquittal followed the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, which involved 17 witnesses and several exhibits, including 30 blocks of cocaine, cash totaling €26,950, and related documents. The accused — Vilma Cabral Roel, Ana Patricia Dos Santos Furtado, Simara Nadiya Martins, and Miriam Maria Mendes — were originally charged with trafficking, dealing in prohibited substances, and conspiracy to traffic drugs. These charges arose from a June 29, 2024 incident at Banjul International Airport, where they were reportedly about to board a flight to Barcelona with three cocaine-filled suitcases.
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However, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking the four to the drugs. The judge noted that the arrests were primarily based on suspicions related to travel documents and behavior, rather than any direct connection to the luggage.
Under cross-examination, a narcotics officer confirmed that none of the accused were in possession of the suitcases, nor were the bags registered in their names. While the prosecution mentioned a shared travel itinerary and passenger name record, the court found these factors inadequate to establish conspiracy or possession.
The court also highlighted that supposed photographic evidence tying the accused to the cocaine was never submitted. Each defendant denied involvement and described their trip as a simple holiday.
As a result, the judge emphasized that strong suspicion does not equate to evidence, and all four were cleared of the charges.
Meanwhile, five Gambian nationals — Seedy Ceesay, Lamin Ceesay, Yaya K. Jatta, Modou Bojang, and Muhammed Jallow — were ordered to open their defence. The court found that the prosecution presented credible evidence suggesting their involvement in handling the drug-filled luggage through their roles at the airport in loading, security, and transport.
The court stated that these individuals are believed to have knowingly assisted in the attempted export of cocaine to Spain and must now respond to the charges in court.
