By: Fatou Krubally
A high-level delegation from INTERPOL has arrived in The Gambia to begin a week-long fact-finding mission under Project AGWE V, aimed at boosting maritime security and curbing transnational crimes in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Gambia Police Force, the INTERPOL team—comprising Farida Kaced, Borislav Gizdavkov, and Ellison Soares Machado was formally received on Monday at the Police Headquarters in Banjul by Chief Superintendent Sulayman Jawara, who represented the Inspector General of Police.
The visit, the report says, is part of on-going efforts to enhance collaboration between INTERPOL and national law enforcement agencies in tackling crimes such as human trafficking, piracy, smuggling, and the trafficking of drugs and firearms.
“The team is in the country to engage relevant stakeholders and explore areas of cooperation to combat maritime and organized crimes,” the police statement noted.
During their stay in the country, the INTERPOL officials are expected to hold meetings with key institutions including the National Central Bureau (NCB Banjul), the Crime Management Coordinator, the Forensic Unit, the Gambia Navy, the Judiciary, and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG).
The fact-finding mission, according to the police, will also assess the country’s operational readiness and identify areas for technical support and capacity building. Discussions will focus on coordinated strategies, intelligence sharing, and improved enforcement practices aligned with international standards.
Welcoming the team on behalf of the police high command, CSP Jawara described the visit as timely and in line with The Gambia’s on-going commitment to strengthen regional law enforcement cooperation.
Project AGWE V forms part of INTERPOL’s broader regional initiative to support West African coastal states in securing their maritime zones against criminal activities and illegal trafficking.
The Gambia Police Force emphasized that the mission reflected the country’s growing partnership with international security agencies in addressing the complex threats facing the sub-region.
“The Gambia remains committed to working with INTERPOL and other partners to ensure safe and secure maritime corridors,” the police statement concluded.
