SLPHA Dismisses Claims Linking Sierra Leone to Cocaine-Laden Container in Nigeria

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has issued an official statement addressing widespread media reports in Nigeria alleging that a container, identified as GCNU1332851 and purportedly linked to Sierra Leone, was discovered with cocaine at a Nigerian port.

According to the Authority, no formal communication has been received from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) confirming the allegation. However, SLPHA stated that it has formally requested official information from its Nigerian counterpart and is currently awaiting a response.

In a detailed clarification, SLPHA disclosed that Grimaldi, the international shipping line responsible for the said container, has confirmed that the unit left Sierra Leone empty and was similarly received empty at the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) terminal in Lagos.

To ensure transparency, SLPHA released the verified movement history of the container as recorded by both Grimaldi and the Container Terminal Operator (FTL) in Freetown:

1. The container is a standard dry 20-foot unit.
2. It arrived and was discharged at the Port of Freetown on 13 September 2025, onboard the vessel Grande Atlantico.
3. It was delivered full to its consignee on 8 October 2025.
4. The container was later returned empty to FTL on 11 October 2025.
5. Crew of Grande Ghana 0225 inspected the container on 24 October 2025 and placed a seal before it was loaded onboard.
6. The container weighed 2,200 kg, the standard for an empty 20-foot container.
7. The loading report, signed by the vessel’s Chief Officer, confirmed the container’s empty
8. It departed Freetown empty on 24 October 2025 aboard Grande Ghana 0225, en route to Lagos via Cotonou.

Further information obtained from Grimaldi’s Nigeria office confirmed:

1. The vessel berthed in Lagos on 29 October 2025 at 23:38.
2. Discharge operations began early on 30 October 2025 at 00:40.
3. The container was discharged empty in Lagos on 30 October 2025 at 13:00.
4. All operations concluded on 31 October 2025 at 19:00.
5. The container was only flagged on 7 November 2025; eight days after being discharged.

SLPHA underscored that the timelines indicate the container was handled under standard procedures, arriving and departing Sierra Leone without any irregularities.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, accountable port management, assuring the public that it will continue to monitor the matter closely while awaiting official clarification from Nigerian authorities.

SLPHA concluded that it remains focused on safeguarding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s port operations and ensuring factual communication amidst growing cross-border speculation.