Principal Magistrate Krubally has remanded a woman at the Mile 2 central prison after she pleaded guilty to possession and smuggling of drugs at the Mile 2 central prison during a visit.
The Drug Law Office arraigned Bintou Jallow before the Banjul Magistrate’s Court charged with a drug-related offence. Presided over by Principal Magistrate M. Krubally, the proceedings saw Binta Jallow enter a “voluntary and judicial confession” to three counts of illegal possession of prohibited substances allegedly intended for the Mile 2 Central Prison.
According to the particulars of the offence, Binta Jallow was found in possession of illegal substances at the nation’s main central prison facility during a visit to a prisoner.
The prosecution, led by ASP M.A. Mendy of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG), narrated the seizure that occurred on March 16, 2026. According to the charge sheet, Binta Jallow was apprehended at the prison with illegal substances:
Count 1: Possession of 264 grams of Cannabis sativa, contrary to Section 35(2)(a) of the Drug Control Act 2014.
Count 2: Possession of 5 grams and 526 milligrams of Hashish, contrary to Section 35(1)(b) of the Drug Control Act 2003.
Count 3: Possession of 4 grams of Clonazepam (a potent sedative often used illicitly), contrary to Section 32(1)(b) of the Drug Control Act 2003.
After the case was called, the court moved to ensure the accused who appeared without legal representation fully understood the allegations. At Binta Jallow’s request, the court provided a Wolof interpreter.
The courtroom fell silent as the court clerk read the charges in English, followed by a line-by-line translation into Wolof. For each count, Magistrate Krubally asked the same question: “How do you plead?” Without hesitation, Binta Jallow responded: “I plead guilty.”
Despite the clear admission of guilt, the legal process encountered a procedural delay. ASP Mendy informed the court that the prosecution was not yet prepared to narrate the “brief facts” of the case. He explained that the investigation files were still being finalised by DLEAG officers and requested an adjournment to consolidate the evidence.
Magistrate Krubally, acknowledging the gravity of the charges and the defendant’s own confession, decided to deny bail.
“Taking cues from the voluntary and judicial confession of the accused… I shall accordingly exercise my discretion to remand the accused to Mile 2 pending the narration of the brief facts,” the Magistrate ruled.
Magistrate Krubally citing the accused’s own admission of guilt, exercised his judicial discretion and ordered Binta Jallow to be remanded at the Mile 2 Central Prison the very place of the alleged offense until her next appearance for the narration of facts and sentencing.
The Magistrate cautioned the DLEAG to ensure the complete case file is ready for the next hearing, stating the court needs the “brief facts” of the crimes officially recorded before moving toward sentencing.
Principal Magistrate Krubally adjourned until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM. At that time, the DLEAG is expected to present the full details of the arrest and the circumstances under which the drugs were discovered. Following the narration of facts, the court will proceed with the conviction and sentencing.
