Man Arrested for Attempted Trafficking of Teenage Girl out of The Gambia

By Mariama Dem

The Airport Police Station has apprehended a 47-year-old man on allegations of trafficking and smuggling a 17-year-old girl out of The Gambia through the airport without parental consent.

The Gambia Police Force has arrested a 47-year-old man on charges related to the trafficking and smuggling of a 17-year-old girl out of The Gambia. Concerned individuals alerted the authorities to suspicious activities at the airport on Sunday, January 27th, 2024, leading to the man’s arrest.

It is believed that the teenage girl was being forcibly taken out of the country without the knowledge or consent of her parents. This incident draws attention to the critical issue of human trafficking, a pervasive problem in societies worldwide.

While The Gambia is not generally considered a major hub for human trafficking, isolated cases may occur. The country has implemented measures to combat human trafficking, including the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Act of 2007, which criminalises trafficking and establishes penalties of imprisonment and fines. The government has also set up the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP) to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases and provide support services to victims.

Law enforcement agencies stress the importance of public vigilance, urging individuals to report any suspicious activities that may indicate human trafficking. Community cooperation is deemed crucial in identifying and preventing such crimes. The investigation into this case is ongoing.