The Banjul High Court freed four Portuguese women Monday but ordered five Gambian airport workers to defend themselves in a drug case. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh announced his decision after reviewing defense arguments that claimed insufficient evidence existed against their clients.
Authorities charged these nine people with three drug offenses. Police arrested the Portuguese nationals - Vilma Cabral Roel, Ana Patricia Dos Santo Furtado, Simara Nadiya Martins, and Miriam Maria Mendes - as they prepared to board a flight to Barcelona last June. The case also involved five Gambian airport employees named Seedy Ceesay, Lamin Ceesay, Yaya K. Jatta, Modou Bojang, and Muhammed Jallow.
Judge Jaiteh ruled prosecutors failed to establish a basic case against the Portuguese women. He found different results for the Gambian workers, saying prosecutors presented enough evidence to continue their trial. The judge described the situation as a complex drug network involving airport staff members.
The court wants the five Gambian defendants to explain their actions regarding drug dealing and conspiracy charges. These airport workers must present their defense on May 26. The judge believes their testimony will clarify what roles they played in the alleged drug operation.
Authorities charged these nine people with three drug offenses. Police arrested the Portuguese nationals - Vilma Cabral Roel, Ana Patricia Dos Santo Furtado, Simara Nadiya Martins, and Miriam Maria Mendes - as they prepared to board a flight to Barcelona last June. The case also involved five Gambian airport employees named Seedy Ceesay, Lamin Ceesay, Yaya K. Jatta, Modou Bojang, and Muhammed Jallow.
Judge Jaiteh ruled prosecutors failed to establish a basic case against the Portuguese women. He found different results for the Gambian workers, saying prosecutors presented enough evidence to continue their trial. The judge described the situation as a complex drug network involving airport staff members.
The court wants the five Gambian defendants to explain their actions regarding drug dealing and conspiracy charges. These airport workers must present their defense on May 26. The judge believes their testimony will clarify what roles they played in the alleged drug operation.
