Gambia introduces death penalty for drug possession

Gambia has introduced harsher penalties for drug crimes, including execution for anyone found holding more than 250 grams of cocaine or heroin.



Reuter’s news agency reports that the previous penalty for the equivalent drug possession was a jail sentence of between 30 and 40 years.



The attorney general Edward Anthony Gomez said the move is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.



The country has recently become a key transit point from Latin America.



At least two tonnes of cocaine with a street value estimated at $1 billion was seized in the West African nation in June, bound for Europe.



Twelve foreigners are standing trial in Gambia in connection with June's cocaine seizure.