One Fatou Keita of Manjai Kunda was Monday May 21st, 2012, convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of D250, 000 in default to serve three years imprisonment after her own plea of guilty to the charges of being in possession of cannabis sativa contrary to the Laws of The Gambia.

The sentence, which was delivered by the Principal Magistrate Sheriff Tabally of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, came after the convict’s plea of mitigation and mercy from the court. In her plea, the convict begged the court for leniency since she has too many responsibilities, which prompted her to engage in drug dealing. She said her husband abandoned her with six children, whom she is taking care of.

The presiding Magistrate in sentencing her, said that having too much responsibility does not warrant an individual to be engaged in drug dealing, since it is prohibited by law. He added that one can do business or other activities to earn decent income in life.

Therefore after considering her plea, the court sentenced her to pay a fine of D250, 000 in default to serve three years in jail with hard labour, saying it is the minimum sentence the court can give to the convict.

The particular stated that the convict on or about the 1st May, 2012, at Manjai in the Kanifing Municipality, was found with 100g of cannabis sativa, a prohibited drug, thereby committed an offence.