As
security intensifies surveillance against any suspected smuggling across the
borders of The Gambia amid Covid-19 lockdown, officers of The Gambia Immigration
Department (GID) in Farafenni have impounded over 20 motorcycles suspected of
smuggling people despite the closure of the border, The Point has been reliably
informed.
The
popular motorcycles commonly referred to as “Jakarta” where being used for smuggling
people into the country using the porous borders in the north bank metropolis
of Farafenni and its surrounding villages, our source added.
It
could be recalled that President Barrow, last month approved the closure of all
borders between The Gambia and Senegal including air and sea routes as measures
to stem the spread of the Covd-19.
Confirming
the story, Mamanding Dibba, spokesperson of the GID said that their officers in
West Coast Region (WCR) have also impounded two trucks loaded with merchandise
in the Fonis District.
“Our
officers who are currently stationed in almost all unrecognized routes between
The Gambia and Senegal intercepted the trucks that were heading to Senegal. The
two trucks were then intercepted and are currently in Brikama.”
The
GID’s commissioner of Operations, Ebrima Jobarteh, recently began a nationwide
assessment tour of borders and landing sites with a view to getting first-hand
information on how their frontline officers are operating on the ground.
“Since
president’s declaration of closure of our borders, including air and sea, our
officers, most especially those currently on borders are working effectively in
ensuring that the president’s declaration is being enforced to the letter.”
