In a significant blow to the drug trade, the Government of Sierra Leone has destroyed more than $94 million worth of illicit drugs. The operation, conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the Office of National Security (ONS), Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), Pharmacy Board, and the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, took place on Friday July 19, 2024 at the TOCU headquarters in Hastings.
Among the drugs destroyed were those seized by the Pharmacy Board and Captagon pills intercepted by Sierra Leone’s intelligence officials. Some drugs were retained as exhibits for ongoing court cases involving suspects yet to be charged.
NDLEA Executive Director Andrew Jaiah Kaikai Esq. delivered a stern warning to drug traffickers, cautioning them against using Sierra Leone as a hub for their illegal activities. He reiterated President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to cracking down on anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. Kaikai assured that his agency, along with its partners, is diligently working to disrupt the supply chain, emphasizing that Sierra Leone will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers. He also highlighted his dedication to protecting the nation’s youth by supporting President Bio’s Feed Salone Project and noted a decrease in the demand and use of kush.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mohamed Kugba Allieu, head of TOCU, revealed that this marks the fourth destruction of narcotics and contraband drugs in the past six months. He noted that suspects are in custody and cooperating with the investigation, while others remain at large. Allieu urged citizens to support security forces by providing vital information to combat illicit drug activities.
Shek Ahmed Bah, Director of Serious Organized Crime Coordination and Counter Terrorism, called for continued collaboration within the security sector to dismantle organized criminal organizations. He emphasized the robust mechanisms in place to prevent drug trafficking, asserting that traffickers might bypass a few checkpoints but cannot evade the intelligence system entirely.
Prof. Foday Sahr, Coordinator of the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, praised the coordination between law enforcement agencies that led to this unprecedented destruction of illicit drugs. He emphasized the Task Force’s role in uniting efforts across ministries, departments, and agencies to combat the drug menace.
Dr. Momoh from the Pharmacy Board urged citizens to purchase drugs only from recognized and approved pharmacies and to avoid buying from street peddlers. He reported that the destroyed drugs seized by the Pharmacy Board were worth NLe 2.5 million and affirmed the Board’s ongoing commitment to seizing and destroying unsafe drugs.
The Security Sector assured the public of their effective management of the situation, noting that they receive intelligence both locally and internationally. They encouraged the public to provide any information that could help maintain peace and security in the country.
This coordinated effort underscores Sierra Leone’s unwavering resolve to combat drug trafficking and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
