The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security, strict port compliance measures, and cooperation with ongoing investigations following preliminary findings into allegations surrounding the vessel MV Acronian, which was reportedly intercepted by Spanish authorities in connection with an alleged cocaine shipment after departing Sierra Leonean waters.
The update was provided during a press conference convened by Sierra Leone’s Security Sector on Wednesday, 20th May 2026, at the Police Officer’s Mess in Kingtom, Freetown, where authorities assured the public that investigations remain active, professional, and comprehensive as efforts continue to establish the facts surrounding the reported incident.
It could be recalled that on 7th May 2026, the Office of National Security (ONS) issued a press release responding to widespread media reports concerning the seizure of cocaine by Spanish authorities from a vessel reportedly registered under the Comoros Islands flag. According to reports, the vessel departed Freetown on 22nd April 2026 before it was intercepted en route to the Mediterranean.
In response to the development, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Security Sector, constituted an Inter-Institutional Investigative Committee mandated to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the matter, including any possible links to Sierra Leone.
Chairing the press conference, the Director of Police Operations, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Dr. Martin Senesie, explained that the briefing was intended to update the public on ongoing security operations, particularly the investigation into allegations involving the seized vessel.
Dr. Martin Senesie subsequently invited the Director of Strategic Communications at the Office of National Security, Abdul Karim Will, to present details of the committee’s progress report on behalf of the National Security Coordinator, Abdulai Caulker.
Addressing journalists, Abdul Karim Will reiterated the Security Sector’s commitment to conducting a thorough, transparent, and professional investigation into the allegations, in line with assurances previously given in the ONS press release issued earlier this month.
He explained that the committee had been tasked with verifying the vessel’s identity, ownership, registration, voyage history, and operational activities, including any possible links to Sierra Leonean ports, territorial waters, institutions, individuals, or criminal networks.
According to Abdul Karim Will, investigators are reviewing and analysing relevant evidence associated with the vessel, including cargo manifests, immigration records, customs procedures, maritime logistics operations, intelligence reports, and other relevant documentation linked to the alleged shipment.
He further disclosed that the committee had been mandated to conduct interviews, inspections, verification exercises, and collaborate with foreign authorities and international agencies where necessary in order to establish the facts surrounding the matter.
Additionally, he noted that investigators are assessing potential violations of national and international laws, maritime regulations, and security procedures, including any institutional lapses that may have facilitated the alleged criminal activity.
Abdul Karim Will emphasized that strict confidentiality and evidence management procedures are being maintained throughout the investigation process, adding that periodic updates and a comprehensive final report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations would be made available upon completion.
Presenting the committee’s preliminary findings, the Head of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), CSP Rev. Michael J.K. Laggah, identified the vessel under investigation as MV Acronian, a ship registered under the flag of the Comoros Islands.
According to CSP Rev. Michael J.K. Laggah, MV Acronian arrived at the Port of Freetown on Friday, 17th April 2026 and departed Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026, remaining at the port for five days, contrary to widespread claims on social media alleging that the vessel spent approximately fifteen days in Sierra Leonean waters.
He explained that routine inspections and mandatory port clearance, security, and operational procedures were duly conducted on the vessel by relevant state agencies in accordance with their institutional mandates. Preliminary investigations, he stated, revealed no narcotics or prohibited substances onboard the vessel during its stay at the Port of Freetown.
Providing further details on the vessel’s declared cargo, CSP Rev. Michael J.K. Laggah disclosed that records from cargo manifests, terminal documentation, and related port records indicated that MV Acronian departed Freetown carrying 1,151 metric tons of palm kernel cargo, alongside marine diesel fuel and fresh water loaded at the port.
He further revealed discrepancies relating to crew members onboard the vessel, noting that while the ship reportedly departed Sierra Leone with seventeen crew members, reports from Spanish authorities indicated that approximately six additional crew members were onboard at the point of interception.
Addressing concerns raised publicly regarding Serenity Shipping Company, CSP Rev. Michael J.K. Laggah clarified that investigations conducted through the National Investment Board confirmed that no official records exist identifying the company as a registered business entity operating in Sierra Leone.
Following the preliminary findings, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of port operations and supporting lawful efforts aimed at combating transnational organized crime, illegal trafficking, and other maritime security threats.
In a statement issued following the briefing, the Authority emphasized that the findings presented by the Security Sector remain preliminary while investigations continue in collaboration with international partners, including Spanish authorities, who have reportedly established direct engagement with Sierra Leonean investigators to support further inquiries.
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority emphasized that the Port of Freetown continues to operate under established international maritime procedures and security frameworks designed to facilitate legitimate trade while protecting national and international shipping interests.
While acknowledging growing public concern surrounding the matter, the Security Sector concluded the briefing by encouraging members of the public to rely solely on verified information from competent authorities and appealed for credible information that could support ongoing investigations, stressing that the probe remains open as authorities continue efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged shipment.
