Sources close to the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) revealed that at least 25 people were in the early hours of last Friday rounded up by the police at the Banjul ferry terminal and taken into custody.

They were arrested because they allegedly posed routinely as port labourers early in the mornings, during the first ferry time, only to vanish with passengers’ belongings.

According to the sources, they are currently detained at the Banjul Police Station.

The sources that spoke on condition of anonymity said: “Such nefarious activities have been a commonplace here at the port and has become a source of worry to many. I think it is high time that uniform, or at least identification cards, is introduced for labourers at the port. This, I believe, is the only way that such a public menace can be curtailed, if not completely stopped.” 

We also have it from a reliable source that the suspects are charged with stealing and causing common nuisance and are expected to appear in court today.