Sierra Leone’s National Consumer Protection Agency (NCPA) has raised serious concerns over delays in an investigation into alleged expired ethanol discovered at Kadco’s warehouse in Cline Town, Freetown, warning that prolonged processes could pose risks to public safety.

The investigation, led by the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and Food and Feed Safety authorities, was initiated after consumer complaints about Kadco’s alcoholic products.

According to the NCPA, more than 300 barrels of ethanol, manufactured in May 2017 and reportedly expired since April 2020, were found during an inspection of Kadco’s warehouse on 5 December 2025. However, during a follow-up visit, officials said only 47 barrels remained.

“Following a tip from consumers of Kadco’s alcoholic products, our team visited the site on 5th December 2025 and recorded over 300 barrels of expired ethanol. In our follow-up, only 47 barrels were left,” said Edward Komeh, Deputy Executive Director of the NCPA.

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Komeh said the agency formally complained to the NCPC, prompting the establishment of a joint investigative committee. He added that Kadco had not initially provided key documents, including the Bill of Lading, to confirm the quantity of ethanol imported into the country.

“We reminded them on 8th January, and that’s when my staff discovered the drastic reduction in barrels,” Komeh said, adding that the agency fears the ethanol may have been used in the production of alcoholic beverages already on the market.

Responding to claims that the Commission was slow to act or siding with Kadco, NCPC Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Bassie confirmed receiving the complaint and setting up the committee on 17 December 2025.

“This process takes time. We gave Kadco until 12 January to provide the requested documents. The agency demanded immediate inspection, so I accompanied them to the warehouse,” Bassie said.

Bassie also accused the NCPA of delaying its own report to the Commission. “It’s only now they are bringing it to our attention. The Commission is not here to protect Kadco; we are here to protect citizens and ensure safety,” he stated.

On Wednesday, NCPC Consumer Relations Manager Bernadette Ballay Fullah told Truth Media that Kadco has now submitted the requested documents and that a meeting will be held to review them. She said the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau will carry out laboratory tests on the ethanol before making the findings public.

Speaking at a press conference, Kenneth David Kamara, Senior Laboratory Analyst at the Standards Bureau, clarified that ethanol does not technically expire but can lose regulatory compliance.

“What expires is its regulatory compliance or fitness for intended use. If it is not fit, it must be disposed of,” Kamara explained, adding that samples will be collected for laboratory analysis this week.

Kadco, the company at the center of the investigation, declined to comment in detail. Its Public Relations representative, Joseph Musa, said the matter is under active investigation. “The matter is under investigation and being handled by the Commission,” he said.

Despite assurances from the Commission, the NCPA says it remains deeply concerned about consumer safety, particularly given the sharp reduction in the number of ethanol barrels at the warehouse.

“We are concerned about consumer safety, especially with the barrels dropping from over 300 to just 47,” Komeh stressed.

The investigation is ongoing, with laboratory results from the Standards Bureau expected to determine whether the ethanol was safe for use or should be destroyed.