The Gambia government on Thursday threatened to forfeit goods from any business owner convicted of crimes twice during the lockdown.

In a warning statement from the Office of the Government Spokesman, Ebrima G Sankareh, said: “a trader or business owner who is convicted for a second time for non compliance with the stipulated market schedules shall have his or her goods forfeited to the State.

“Goods forfeited to the State shall be surrendered to the Trade Minister and become the property of The Gambia Government and there are no exceptions to this Regulation.”

The Gambia is in lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country and price controls are in place to stop business owners taking advantage of the state of emergency. 

Several business owners have already been convicted for violating the price control orders. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba