A large consignment of seized narcotic substances was publicly destroyed on Friday, 6 March 2026, during an exercise organised by the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) at its headquarters in Hastings.

The event formed part of ongoing efforts by security authorities to reinforce transparency and intensify the country’s fight against drug trafficking.

The destruction exercise brought together representatives from several security institutions, alongside members of the media, to witness the disposal of the confiscated drugs.

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Welcoming participants, the Head of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit, CSP Rev. Michael Laggah, described the exercise as a significant step in the collective national effort to curb the proliferation of illicit drugs. He emphasized that the destruction of the substances was more than a routine procedure, noting that it sends a clear message that Sierra Leone will not tolerate the use of its territory for drug trafficking or other related criminal activities.

According to him, publicly destroying the exhibits also reflects the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police and its partners to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. He added that the exercise helps assure the public that narcotic substances seized during operations are properly handled and disposed of after all legal processes have been completed.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director of Crime Services, ACP Brima Kamara explained that the event was partly organised to address persistent public concerns regarding the fate of drugs confiscated by law enforcement officers. He revealed that narcotics valued at more than NLe 1,680,318 were earmarked for destruction during the exercise.

Kamara further explained that the destruction followed proper authorisation and legal procedures within the criminal justice system. He highlighted the role of the police in preventing and detecting crime, investigating cases, charging suspects, and collaborating with other institutions in the prosecution of offenders.

He also urged members of the public to support the work of security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in combating drug-related crimes across the country.

Representatives from key institutions including the Office of National Security, the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also attended the event and contributed to discussions on strengthening cooperation in the fight against narcotics.

Speaking on behalf of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Director of Operations, Ibrahim Kargbo, recalled a high-level security engagement convened in 2025 by Julius Maada Bio which led to the establishment of a special security taskforce aimed at disrupting drug supply routes and addressing the increasing inflow of narcotics into Sierra Leone.

Providing technical details during the event, ASP Stevens, Head of the Sierra Leone Police Forensic Analysts, outlined the different categories of seized substances that were destroyed. These included various forms of cocaine, kush, marshmallow, ecstasy, cannabis sativa, and other chemical compounds used in the production of narcotics.

The exercise concluded with the symbolic burning of the confiscated substances in the presence of security stakeholders and media representatives, marking another step in the country’s ongoing campaign to curb drug trafficking and abuse.