On 28 July 2025, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), in collaboration with other security agencies including the Sierra Leone Police, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, and the Office of National Security, intercepted a large amount of contraband suspected to be “tramadol” at the Gbalamuya Border crossing point in Kambia District.

The operation, conducted at the border with neighboring Guinea, resulted in the interception of a vehicle with Guinean registration number BC 1785.

Authorities seized 79 gross, 9 small packets, and 9 cards of tapentadol tablets (225 mg). Additionally, the driver, named Mohamed Jalloh, was found in possession of 135 Android mobile phones, including 120 Samsung Galaxy A06, 5 A36, 5 A56, and 5 A26 devices.

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Jalloh confirmed that the vehicle was headed to Freetown. The successful interception was attributed to heightened vigilance by the NRA, which ensures that every consignment entering the border undergoes thorough declaration and examination. NRA Customs Officers acted on intelligence reports indicating a significant shipment of tramadol attempting to cross the border.

Following the seizure, the contraband, suspect Mohamed Jalloh, and the 135 Android mobile phones, which are dutiable items, were handed over to the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kambia Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Bob M.N. Mansaray, for further investigation.

The NRA and other security agencies agreed that the Android mobile phones would be returned to Customs for declaration and payment of the required duty as mandated by law.