President Julius Maada Bio has issued a strong warning to international drug cartels and organised crime networks, declaring that Sierra Leone’s territorial waters, seaports and airports will not be allowed to serve as transit routes for illegal narcotics.

The President made the declaration while delivering his State Opening address to Parliament as part of the Year of Action and Accelerated Delivery, where he addressed growing international concerns over drug trafficking and maritime security along the West African coast.

President Bio said reports linking Sierra Leone to illegal drug trafficking operations were deeply concerning and stressed that his administration would take firm action to protect the country’s sovereignty and international reputation.

“Criminal networks will not be allowed to use our territory, waters, airports or ports as transit routes,” President Bio warned.

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He further pledged stronger security measures to safeguard Sierra Leone’s borders and ensure that individuals and institutions implicated in organised crime are held accountable.

As part of the government’s response, President Bio outlined measures aimed at strengthening surveillance along Sierra Leone’s coastline and improving the detection of suspicious maritime activities.

The country’s coastal radar and maritime surveillance capabilities are expected to be upgraded to help security agencies identify unidentified vessels and detect unauthorised offshore ship-to-ship transfers.

The government also plans to strengthen cargo screening at the Freetown Port and international airports through automated container screening, digital customs verification and intelligence-led risk profiling.

These measures are intended to make it more difficult for traffickers to conceal narcotics and other illicit goods within legitimate shipments.

Beyond intercepting drugs and suspicious shipments, the government plans to intensify financial investigations targeting the financial networks behind organised crime.

Authorities are expected to trace illicit financial flows, investigate suspected money-laundering operations and pursue the seizure of assets linked to transnational criminal organisations.

The approach is aimed at disrupting trafficking networks not only by intercepting their shipments but also by targeting the financial infrastructure that enables their operations.

President Bio also emphasised the importance of stronger coordination among institutions responsible for national security, border management and drug enforcement.

The government plans to deepen operational cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, National Revenue Authority Customs, Immigration and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The President assured the public and international partners that credible allegations involving drug trafficking or possible institutional complicity would be independently investigated.

He stressed that such investigations must be conducted without political interference, reinforcing the administration’s position that no individual or institution should be above the law.

Sierra Leone is also seeking to strengthen intelligence-sharing arrangements with regional and international partners to combat trafficking networks operating along the Atlantic corridor.

The government plans to enhance real-time information exchange with ECOWAS member states, INTERPOL and international maritime security partners to help identify and intercept suspected trafficking vessels and networks.

The measures come amid wider concerns over the use of West Africa’s Atlantic coastline as a transit corridor for illegal drugs moving between international markets.

President Bio’s warning also carries wider implications for Sierra Leone’s international trade and investment environment.

The government wants to reassure shipping companies, investors and international partners that the country’s ports, airports and other strategic logistical facilities remain secure and subject to effective oversight.

The administration maintained that the law must be applied equally, regardless of whether those involved are local accomplices or members of foreign criminal syndicates.

President Bio said the government would continue strengthening enforcement measures to protect Sierra Leone’s territorial integrity, secure its borders and preserve the country’s international reputation.