The West African region has become a transit point of illicit drug trafficking and more efforts are needed to combat this situation in Africa, drug experts said.

The Gambia, like many countries in the region, has become a target for the transit of illicit drug, said Abubacarr Senghorr, chairman of the National Drug Enforcement Agency.

Senghorr further said the mental health related to the use of drugs especially cannabis has become a public health problem.

Samba Gajaka, director of the agency, pointed out that 2,161 people have been arrested for cultivating the cannabis sativa from 2010 to 2011, of which 92 percent are Gambians.

Gajaka said his agency is working tirelessly against illicit drug abuse and trafficking. He expressed satisfaction about the political commitment of the government to making Gambia a drug free nation.

Momodou Jaiteh, deputy mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), reaffirmed the council's unflinching support for the fight against drug trafficking. He called on parents to protect their children from drug menace.

Earlier in the day, the Gambia commemorated International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit drug Trafficking with a theme slogan: Make health your 'new high' in life, not drug.

World Drug Day, which falls on June 26 each year, is designated by the United Nations to increase public awareness about physical and psychological effects of drugs.

In May 2013, the National Drug Enforcement Agency publicly destroyed more than two tons of cocaine seized in Bonto village in the West Coast Region in June 2010, marking the country's 48th Independence Anniversary.