Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – In a bid to address rising concerns over theft and vandalism linked to the scrap metal trade, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Crime Management, Demba Sowe, convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with scrap metal dealers, exporters, and the Scrap Union Association at the Police Headquarters in Banjul.

The engagement focused on tackling criminal activities involving stolen public infrastructure materials, including NAWEC transformers and Gamtel wires, which are frequently resold to scrap dealers. AIG Sowe underscored the importance of collaboration in curbing these illicit activities, emphasizing that protecting public assets was a shared responsibility.

“We must work together to ensure that scrap metal businesses do not become a channel for criminals to profit from stolen items. This is crucial for maintaining public safety and preventing further losses to the country’s infrastructure,” Sowe stated.

During the meeting, Crime Management Coordinator, Commissioner of Police (CP) Boto Keita, highlighted cases where valuable items were sold at suspiciously low prices to scrap dealers. He described such transactions as red flags indicative of potential criminal activity and urged dealers to remain vigilant and report any questionable dealings to law enforcement authorities.

In a move to tighten control over the industry, AIG Sowe announced plans for stricter regulations and enhanced monitoring mechanisms aimed at deterring illegal scrap metal dealings. He reassured scrap dealers of the police force’s commitment to supporting legitimate businesses while simultaneously cracking down on theft and vandalism.

Union leaders Lamin Jallow and Musa Jallow welcomed the initiative, affirming their readiness to cooperate with authorities. They pledged to strengthen internal checks within the industry and report any suspicious activities that could compromise their trade’s reputation.

The meeting comes in the wake of recent high-profile thefts, including the disappearance of telecommunications cables worth D11 million from Gamtel’s Abuko branch. Several other cases of vandalized infrastructure, including stolen cables and pipes, have been reported across the country, prompting urgent action from law enforcement.

With strengthened cooperation between the police and the scrap metal sector, authorities hope to create a more secure environment that safeguards public resources while allowing legitimate trade to flourish.