Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The INTERPOL Regional Bureau is currently conducting a Quality Standards Visit (QSV) in The Gambia, a mission aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity to combat transnational crime, particularly human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

As part of this initiative, INTERPOL’s Head of the Regional Bureau, Madam Paule Leonie Ouedraogo, has been engaging with senior Gambian law enforcement officials, including Inspector General of Police Seedy Muktarr Touray, the National INTERPOL Bureau, and key stakeholders such as the Gambia Immigration Department, the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP), and the Gambia Revenue and Customs.

These discussions focus on strengthening partnerships and improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms to tackle organized crime more effectively.

The mission also includes a week-long capacity-building training for Gambian law enforcement officers, providing them with advanced tools and knowledge to counter human trafficking and migrant smuggling. This training is critical for The Gambia, which faces increasing challenges in combating transnational criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.

One of the key elements of INTERPOL’s visit is the introduction of the I-24/7 INTERPOL Global Communication System, a secure platform that enhances real-time international law enforcement coordination. This system is expected to significantly improve information-sharing between The Gambia and global police networks, enabling faster responses to cross-border crimes.

Inspector General of Police Seedy Muktarr Touray praised INTERPOL’s efforts, emphasizing that enhanced security cooperation and capacity-building are essential for effectively tackling organized crime. “Strengthening our collaboration with INTERPOL is crucial in our fight against human trafficking, smuggling, and other transnational crimes. We are committed to utilizing these international partnerships to enhance our law enforcement capabilities,” he stated.

The delegation is also scheduled to visit The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) as part of the ongoing QSV. These engagements underscore INTERPOL’s commitment to equipping Gambian authorities with the tools and strategies necessary to curb criminal activities that threaten national and regional security.

With transnational crime becoming increasingly sophisticated, INTERPOL’s mission in The Gambia represents a significant step toward enhancing law enforcement effectiveness and strengthening global security cooperation.