By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has written an open letter to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio expressing grave concern over what he described as growing international reports linking Sierra Leone, its territorial waters, borders, ports and citizens to transnational narcotics trafficking and organized criminal networks.
The letter, dated Sunday, 10 May 2026, was addressed to President Julius Maada Bio and copied to several key state institutions and officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Transport and Aviation, the National Security Coordinator, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority, the Director-General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, the Director-General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, the Chief Immigration Officer, the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Chairman of Parliament’s Oversight Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs.
In the letter titled, “An Open Letter to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on the Growing International Drug Trafficking Links to Sierra Leone,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo stated that he was compelled to write with what he described as “profound concern and a deep sense of patriotic duty” regarding repeated international allegations linking Sierra Leone to cocaine trafficking, organized criminal syndicates and transnational drug cartels.
According to the Opposition Leader, Sierra Leone has increasingly featured in international criminal investigations, law enforcement briefings, extradition proceedings and media reports concerning narcotics trafficking over the last two years. He warned that the frequency and seriousness of such reports now pose a threat to Sierra Leone’s diplomatic standing, internal security, international reputation and future economic prospects.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo particularly referenced the recent interception of the vessel MV Arconian by Spanish authorities. He noted reports indicating that the vessel, allegedly carrying more than 30 tonnes of cocaine and reportedly departing from Freetown en route to Libya, was intercepted off the coast of Western Sahara by the Spanish Guardia Civil following intelligence reportedly provided by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Dutch authorities.
He further alleged that the vessel, said to have departed the Port of Freetown on 22 April 2026, had previously operated under the name Nur Zeynep and flew Sierra Leone’s flag.
The Opposition Leader described as deeply troubling reports from Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, indicating that authorities discovered an alleged hidden arsenal onboard the vessel, including automatic rifles, tactical pistols, ammunition and heavily armed security personnel reportedly assigned to guard the cocaine consignment.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo argued that the reported presence of sophisticated weaponry aboard a vessel allegedly departing from Sierra Leone raises serious concerns about weaknesses in the country’s maritime surveillance, port inspections, intelligence systems and border security architecture.
He further highlighted reports linking the operation to the Dutch-Moroccan criminal network commonly referred to as the “Mocro Mafia,” allegedly associated with internationally wanted drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos.” According to him, those revelations elevate the matter beyond ordinary narcotics trafficking and point to broader concerns surrounding organized transnational criminal activities with potential implications for Sierra Leone’s sovereignty and international image.
Beyond maritime trafficking, Hon. Abdul Kargbo said international law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and North America have increasingly referenced Sierra Leonean nationals, travel routes linked to Sierra Leone or persons travelling from Sierra Leone in drug-related investigations and interceptions.
He cited international reports by Reuters, Europol and Dutch prosecutors, which allegedly identify Sierra Leone as a location where fugitive cocaine trafficker Jos Leijdekkers reportedly evaded law enforcement while allegedly receiving protection. He also referenced allegations suggesting Sierra Leone has increasingly become a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine destined for European markets.
Additionally, the Opposition Leader referenced the widely reported incident involving a Sierra Leone Embassy vehicle intercepted in Guinea allegedly carrying seven suitcases suspected to contain cocaine, which reportedly led to the recall of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea for questioning.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo further expressed concern over reported drug interceptions involving passengers allegedly travelling from Sierra Leone or linked to Sierra Leonean routes in countries including Hong Kong, India and Sri Lanka.
He warned that repeated international references to Sierra Leone in narcotics investigations are increasingly creating the perception that the country is emerging as a logistical corridor within broader transnational drug supply chains linking Latin America, West Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The Opposition Leader also linked the international dimension of narcotics trafficking to Sierra Leone’s domestic drug crisis, particularly the growing spread of synthetic drugs such as “Kush,” which he described as devastating communities and destroying the future of many young people.
Sharing a personal experience, Hon. Abdul Kargbo disclosed that even his family had not been spared by drug abuse. He revealed that a nephew he had supported through university reportedly became involved in narcotics shortly after enrolling and eventually dropped out, now allegedly living under a bridge in Aberdeen among others battling addiction.
He argued that there is growing public concern that the proliferation of synthetic drugs within Sierra Leone may be linked to wider international trafficking networks operating within or through the country.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo criticized what he described as the Government’s limited public response and silence on the allegations, warning that continued inaction could strengthen international suspicions regarding possible institutional compromise or political protection of criminal networks.
He urged President Bio to respond decisively, warning that Sierra Leone risks being internationally categorized as a “narco-transit state” or even a “narco-state,” a development he cautioned could negatively affect foreign direct investment, international banking relations, security cooperation, visa policies, trade, tourism and diplomatic credibility.
“This matter transcends party politics. It concerns the future security, integrity and international standing of our beloved nation,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo stated, calling on the President to act immediately and transparently before irreversible damage is done to Sierra Leone’s image and future.
He concluded the letter by emphasizing that Sierra Leone had previously overcome the damaging legacy of blood diamonds and should not allow itself to be branded as a narcotics haven, stressing that citizens deserve answers, transparency and decisive leadership.
