Police in Gambia are currently investigating the untimely death of 26-year-old Aja Majula Hydara, who reportedly ingested a drug that had been slipped into her drink. Aja, a resident of Latrikunda German, tragically passed away at Dune Night Club in Palma Rima on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The Gambia Police Force released a statement on Sunday, June 23, revealing that Hydara suffered severe reactions after consuming the suspected drug and was immediately taken to a hospital, where she later succumbed to the effects on Saturday. As part of their inquiry, authorities have detained a friend of the deceased to help with the ongoing investigation.
“Preliminary investigations by the Kotu Police into the death of Aja Majula Hydara have shed light on the events at Dune Night Club in Palma Rima on June 21, 2024,” the statement outlined. “Hydara’s distressing symptoms followed the consumption of the suspected drug, leading to her hospitalization at Kanifing General Hospital and eventual passing.”
Furthermore, law enforcement disclosed that two more individuals lost their lives after partaking in similar substances.
“Separately, Banjul Police are delving into the sudden death of 20-year-old Alhagie Darboe from Banjul,” the statement continued. “Preliminary reports indicate that Darboe fell victim to a drug at a club, resulting in his demise at Ndemban Clinic. The police are actively seeking the arrest of an individual known as Balanding, who is linked to supplying the substance to Darboe.”
“In a parallel incident, Barra Police are probing the death of 26-year-old Bubacarr Sarr from Barra, who reportedly consumed Kush, leading to self-harm—in which he tragically severed his own tongue and passed away at Essau District Hospital on the same day.”
In response to these distressing events, the law enforcement leadership implored for public collaboration, particularly from parents and youth organizations, in the battle against drug misuse and trafficking. Emphasizing the importance of strengthened partnership and communication between the police and the community, they underscored the critical need for restoring the safety and security within society.
Meanwhile, a source intimately familiar with the situation shared with reporters the heart-wrenching circumstances of Hydara’s passing, noting that an unidentified person had maliciously tampered with her drink.
“The news of her tragic demise is truly devastating. Aja was not just a friend but also a hardworking and humble individual. While enjoying an evening out with her friends, someone discreetly spiked her drink, leading to severe consequences. She breathed her last on Saturday morning at Kanifing General Hospital,” the source expressed with deep emotion.
