Pubdate: Fri, 30 May 2003
Source: Independent, The (Gambia)
Copyright: The Independent 2003
Contact:  http://www.qanet.gm/Independent/independent.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2912
Author: Alieu Darboe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

POLICE BRUTALITY AGAIN! DRUG SQUAD REACTS

In a bid to impress upon the community that the police was an institution 
for discipline two officers in Brikama were last Friday arrested by the 
Drug Squad over alleged brutality meted out to one Haruna Sanyang.

According to police sources Bakary Bojang and Karamba were arrested 
following their alleged brutality against Haruna Sanyang who they claimed 
was having cannabis in his possession.

Since the matter was reported at the Brikama Police Station the two 
officers were apprehended for questioning over the alleged beating.

A friend of the victim speaking on condition of anonymity, told this 
reporter that after the two officers had allegedly attacked Haruna and 
found no cannabis on him, it was found out that his money amounting to D3, 
000 was missing. He said five officers had attacked his friend but only two 
were identified.

A Drug Squad personnel told this reporter that they had not sent the two 
men on a drug raid. "But since we heard the news we are going to take care 
of the matter" he told this reporter.

Meanwhile residents of Brikama Missira have claimed that on the same day 
hideouts in the area were raided where they found no cannabis with the 
boys, although a handcuff was put on one Pa Sidibeh who was also said to 
have been innocent. The police were said to have been armed with pistols 
and tear gas.

The Brikama police did not comment.

Up to press time, Haruna was still at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Banjul.
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