By: Nyima Sillah
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of The Gambia Immigration Department (GID), Inspector Muhammad Bah, has disclosed that an anti-smuggling bill has already been drafted as part of efforts to find a durable solution to the Backway syndrome.
“Currently, we have a smuggling of the migrant bill already drafted. So, it will become a law very soon and when that happens, we will not be interested in other laws. We will just use that law. We are doing that as quickly as possible. It is already on our table. We are just reviewing it and trying to pass it to the relevant authorities,” Inspector Bah told The Voice in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
He disclosed that some alleged smugglers and traffickers are currently being tried in court, adding thatthe GID is falling backward on other laws to charge them. PRO Bah referenced the 1997 Constitution, explaining that the Criminal Code is clear about smuggling and trafficking in persons.
“If you know the Constitution of The Gambia,collecting money by false pretense is an offense even without the smuggling bill,” Inspector Bah explained.
He asserted that the GID is more concerned about the smugglers and the traffickers in its fight against human trafficking.
“We are cracking down on them. We got a lot of information about a lot of them. We don’t have a legal framework but we still have other laws that we use like obtaining money by false pretense or by other means. All these are part of chargeable offenses,” Bah stated. He added that the NAATIP Act is also supportive of the combat against trafficking in persons.
The GID deputy spokesman emphasized that the GID has intensified its fight against irregular migration by launching Operation Zero Departure.
“We are doing both day and night patrols at the seasides in the coastal area, covering Kartong and Gunjur. We are also monitoring other areas like Jeshwang and Madinaring. Our officers are still there on duties in ensuring that there is no boat that will depart from the shores of The Gambia,” PRO Bah explained.