By Esther Wright
In a concerted effort to combat the scourge of narcotics, the Sierra Leone Police, in conjunction with allied agencies, conducted a significant operation resulting in the destruction of a substantial quantity of narcotics valued at over two hundred thousand United States Dollars. The incineration took place on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at the Transnational Organised Crime Unit Headquarters (TOCU), situated at Rogbangba Junction/Hastings.
During a pre-burn press conference, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, dispelled assertions labelling Sierra Leone as a hub for drug trafficking, citing a lack of substantive evidence to support such claims. He highlighted a prior event in February 2024 where a sizable consignment of confiscated narcotics was publicly destroyed, underscoring the Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the drug menace.
The declaration of a National Health Emergency on narcotic drugs, following a Town Hall meeting at the Bintumani Conference Centre, prompted the formation of a National Task Force led by Professor Sahr Foday. Andrew Kaikai urged collective action in collaboration with relevant institutions to combat drug trafficking effectively.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner Joseph Ibrahim Lahai reiterated the Sierra Leone Police’s dedication to tackling the narcotics trade, emphasizing the peril it poses to the nation’s youth. He described the incineration as a deterrent to drug traffickers and urged journalists, both domestic and international, to disseminate the message widely.
Dr. Ahmed Sannoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator, praised the interagency cooperation within the security sector, attributing it to the successful seizure of narcotics, including those intercepted at Queen Elizabeth the II Quay and other locations nationwide. The confiscated narcotics included various substances such as tramadol, cannabis sativa, and suspected precursor chemicals for drug production.
Captain Alpha Jayah Bangura, Harbour Master at the Quay, highlighted efforts to establish international networks with port authorities to enhance intelligence sharing and bolster interception of drug traffickers. He reaffirmed the port’s commitment to combating drug abuse, recognizing its pivotal role as a major revenue-generating entity for the Sierra Leonean Government.
The incineration of the confiscated narcotics marked the culmination of the operation, underscoring the ongoing commitment of Sierra Leonean authorities to combating drug trafficking and safeguarding public health.
