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The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has completed its investigation into the suspected irregular release of three containers at Freetown Port, confirming that all conventional clearance processes were followed and no evidence of smuggling was found.
The Authority dismissed recent social media reports claiming the smuggling of 16 containers as inaccurate and urged the public to rely on official sources for information about port operations.
The investigation followed an alert from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on 9 October 2025 regarding shipments allegedly evading clearance standards.
SLPHA Director-General Yankuba Bio immediately launched a joint fact-finding mission with key stakeholders, including the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (ACFA), Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), Customs and Excise Department, Integrated Trade Services (ITS), and Logistics Solutions and Services (LSS).
The probe found that although the containers did not pass through the ASYCUDA system, the Customs and Excise Department authorized their release using the Standard Customs Way Book, which included all necessary security elements such as perforations, stamps, and signatures. Physical examinations and scanning revealed no security risks, and all required payments to relevant institutions were confirmed, aside from outstanding customs duties.
SLPHA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and interagency collaboration and said it would work closely with the NRA and other stakeholders to strengthen ASYCUDA integration and prevent future clearance anomalies.
The Authority clarified that multiple entities are involved in the clearing process: FTL manages container operations; Customs collects duties; ITS scans cargo; LSS tracks shipments; and Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal handles bulk and break-bulk cargoes.
