https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/joint-investigation-team-set-up-for-paulo-djabis-alleged-crimes-witness-testifies-in-drug-case

First prosecution witness Lamin Y.A. Sanneh in the ongoing drug and money laundering case involving Paulo Djabi and others has testified at the Banjul High Court that a joint investigation team was established to investigate the alleged crimes.

The accused - Paulo Djabi (1st accused), Nadine Pereira (2nd accused) and Mamadu Neto Djabi (3rd accused) - were facing 20 charges related to drug offences and money laundering.

Testifying before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the High Court in Banjul, Sanneh revealed that the joint investigation team, comprising “about” 20 members from various security sectors, including the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the police, the Gambia National Army, the State Intelligence Services, and Immigration, was formed between July and August 2023.

The team, he added, was tasked with investigating the alleged crimes involving the accused individuals.

During cross-examination, defence counsel Tambadou challenged the witness, stating that only the 1st accused, Paulo Djabi, was involved in the case. In response, Sanneh stated: “That I cannot say for certain.”

When asked by Counsel Tambadou if any other individuals, besides the three accused, were charged, the witness said he could not recall. He further confirmed that the joint investigation team had completed its mandate.

He also stated that the 3rd accused, Mamadu Neto Djabi, was arrested during the course of the investigation between late August and early September 2023. Counsel Tambadou put it to the witness that the 3rd accused was arrested on 28 August 2023. In response, Sanneh said, “All that I know is that he was arrested in The Gambia,” adding that hethe witnesswas not present at the border to confirm when the accused entered the country.

In a prior testimony, Sanneh had stated that a search was conducted at the residence of the 3rd accused at Baraka Estate, where the accused had led the team to.

The case was adjourned until November 26, 2024.