The Sierra Leone Police have recorded the return of 660 Sierra Leoneans from Mauritania, Algeria, Libya and Niger during 2025, while intensifying operations against drug trafficking, human trafficking and organized crime across the country.

The figures were disclosed by the Deputy Head of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), Detective Deputy Superintendent of Police Abass Bangura Esq., during the weekly police press briefing at Police Headquarters in Freetown.

According to Bangura, the returnees came mainly from countries in the Sahel region and included 259 adult females, 183 adult males and 244 minors, made up of 99 boys and 145 girls. He said the data was compiled by TOCU as part of its mandate to monitor transnational crimes, including migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

Bangura also revealed that TOCU investigated five major drug-related cases in 2025 as part of a sustained crackdown on narcotics and organized criminal networks. Among the cases was the arrest of Mohamed Bangura of Magburka, who was found in possession of 185 tablets suspected to be ecstasy. Another suspect, Abubakarr Koroma of Magburka Township, was arrested with 10 exhibits of suspected tramadol.

Related News

He further disclosed that officers impounded 47 cartons of suspected tramadol, followed by the seizure of an additional 37 cartons on the same day. In separate operations, Alhaji Sillah was arrested in Portee, while Mohamed Kargbo of Waterloo, a driver, was apprehended with six parcels of shredded leaves suspected to be marshmallow concealed in his vehicle.

“The substances are currently undergoing forensic analysis to determine their authenticity,” Bangura told journalists.

Providing an overview of prosecutions and convictions, Bangura said that between January 31 and December 31, 2025, TOCU recorded 70 cases pending investigation and charged 202 cases to court. Within the same period, the unit secured 37 convictions, with prison sentences ranging from 15 to 35 years, and in some cases up to 105 years.

On human trafficking and migrant smuggling, Bangura stated that 25 cases were charged to court, three convictions were recorded, and five raids were conducted. He added that three cases are currently awaiting charge at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. In relation to conspiracy to defraud, he said one case remains under investigation, 18 cases were charged to court, and seven convictions were secured.

Bangura also reported that 44 Sierra Leoneans were deported from the United States in 2025, comprising 39 males and five females.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, Detective Assistant Commissioner of Police Allieu Jalloh, said criminal activities dropped significantly during the festive season as a result of proactive policing strategies adopted by the Sierra Leone Police.

Jalloh explained that crimes tend to become more organized when more than three individuals are involved, but early intelligence gathering, targeted operations and a visible police presence helped to reduce risks. He emphasized that these proactive measures played a critical role in maintaining public safety and preventing major incidents during the celebrations.

The police leadership said the force remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led policing, combating transnational crime and ensuring public safety across Sierra Leone.