By Mustapha Jallow
Detectives of the Gambia Police Force (GPF) stationed at the Banjul International Airport have prevented a 17-year-old girl from an alleged human trafficking suspect who attempted to fly (traffic) her out of the country, according to law enforcement officials.
Police say the suspect, a 47-year-old man, is being held while actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The man was nabbed on 28th January 2024 for allegedly trying to traffic this teen out of the Gambia via the airport.
According to police spokesperson Cadet ASP Binta Njie, charges have been filed against a 47-year-old man and two other suspects. The man in question is facing trafficking charges, while the other two individuals are charged with conspiracy. As the investigation is ongoing, Njie refrained from providing additional commentary.
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the matter indicated that the suspects are likely to face prosecutions over trafficking and other related charges, but such happens after investigators complete their investigations.
According to the source, it began with the authorities being alerted to the suspects’ intentions. Still, the vigilant detectives at the airport were able to intervene and prevent their plans from coming to fruition. Unfortunately, research suggests that airports, commonly known as gateways to the world, may inadvertently contribute to the proliferation of human trafficking. It notes that traffickers and their victims frequently transit through airport terminals undetected and are often released without consequence.
Mark Lynch – Border Management Advisor for DCAF head office in Banjul, recently voiced out how the Gambia, the smallest country, is widely known for being a significant location for human trafficking.
