The Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) Forensic Laboratory at Hastings, marking a significant step towards strengthening scientific investigations into transnational organized crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, 2 July 2026, underscored the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to modernizing law enforcement through evidence-based policing and enhancing the country’s criminal justice system.
The newly established facility provides a modern and conducive working environment for the Police Forensic Laboratory while accommodating key administrative offices. It is expected to significantly improve the Sierra Leone Police’s capacity to conduct scientific investigations, analyse forensic evidence and support successful criminal prosecutions.
Delivering the keynote address, IGP William Fayia Sellu described the commissioning of the laboratory as a major milestone in strengthening the Police’s forensic capabilities. He stressed that scientific evidence remains one of the most credible and reliable forms of evidence presented before the courts, making forensic investigations essential in securing successful convictions.
The Police Chief commended Forensic Analyst, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Steven, for his professionalism, technical expertise and dedication in advancing forensic services within the Sierra Leone Police.
IGP William Fayia Sellu further disclosed that the forensic laboratory had been relocated from Connaught Hospital to Hastings to enable the Sierra Leone Police to maintain full operational control over its forensic equipment and services. He further directed that officers previously trained in forensic investigations be identified and redeployed to reactivate the dormant forensic laboratory at Police Headquarters in Kingtom.
Highlighting his broader vision for institutional transformation, the IGP encouraged police officers to pursue specialized career paths, develop professional expertise and place institutional development above personal interests. He noted that the establishment of the TOCU Forensic Laboratory forms part of wider reforms aimed at addressing longstanding institutional challenges through improved infrastructure, specialized training and the acquisition of modern policing equipment.
Reflecting on achievements recorded during his tenure, IGP William Fayia Sellu cited the construction of the Police Mortuary, the completion of the Aberdeen Police Station, the Ross Road Regional Police Headquarters and the Matru Jong Police Station, as well as the extensive rehabilitation and expansion of Police Headquarters. He also highlighted the transformation of the Police Hospital, achieved with support from international development partners.
The IGP urged personnel of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit to maximize the opportunities provided by the new laboratory, expressing confidence that enhanced forensic capacity would contribute significantly to higher conviction rates and more effective criminal investigations.
He also acknowledged the support of partner institutions, particularly through the National Taskforce, whose collaborative efforts have strengthened Sierra Leone’s fight against narcotics-related offences.
Reaffirming his commitment to the continued growth of the forensic unit, IGP William Fayia Sellu assured officers that any additional resources required to improve the laboratory’s operations would receive his full support. He expressed confidence that professionalism, teamwork and sustained investment would continue transforming the Sierra Leone Police into a stronger, more efficient and technologically advanced institution.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chief Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, described the commissioning of the laboratory as a strategic investment in strengthening Sierra Leone’s response to transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking. He said the facility demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building resilient security institutions capable of responding to emerging criminal threats.
Chief Andrew Jaiah Kaikai commended IGP William Fayia Sellu for what he described as the remarkable transformation and professionalism demonstrated by the Sierra Leone Police since 2023. He praised the IGP’s hands-on leadership and unwavering dedication to institutional development.
Representing the Director of Crime Services, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), ACP Alieu Jalloh, emphasized the growing importance of scientific evidence in modern policing. He observed that forensic analysis often provides greater reliability than eyewitness testimony and expressed confidence that the new laboratory would significantly strengthen criminal investigations and improve service delivery. He also thanked the IGP for his continued support in enhancing the Criminal Investigation Department through infrastructure development and capacity-building initiatives.
The commissioning ceremony brought together members of the Sierra Leone Police Executive Management Board, representatives from the Office of National Security, officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other key stakeholders from the security sector. Participants unanimously stressed the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration in combating transnational organized crime, curbing illicit drug trafficking and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s national security.
