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Sierra Leone’s opposition All People’s Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern and outrage over recent reports implicating high-ranking government officials and individuals associated with the current administration in international drug trafficking.
The APC asserts these revelations pose a significant threat to Sierra Leone’s integrity, security, and reputation.
The APC highlighted several troubling incidents, including the recent apprehension of a vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea, which Guinean authorities found to contain illicit drugs.
They also raised concerns about the reported association of convicted European drug trafficker Jos Boze with top government officials, including members of the First Family. The party claims these allegations, if unaddressed, could damage Sierra Leone’s international standing, deter foreign investment, and jeopardize the future of its youth.
The APC specifically cited several unresolved incidents that they believe warrant further investigation:
- A mysterious container from Brazil suspected of containing narcotics.
- An unidentified aircraft that landed at Lungi International Airport under suspicious circumstances.
- The discovery of cocaine disguised as garri intercepted in the United Kingdom, allegedly originating from Sierra Leone.
- Allegations of a convicted drug lord enjoying protection from government officials and purported ties to the presidency.
The APC argues these incidents cast doubt on the government’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and raise questions about whether state resources are being used to facilitate, rather than prevent, international drug trafficking.
The APC has called for the following immediate actions:
Independent Investigation: A full and transparent investigation into all reported drug trafficking activities involving government officials, conducted by an independent commission with international partners like the UNODC and ECOWAS.
Accountability: Prosecution of all individuals found complicit in drug-related crimes, regardless of their status.
Public Disclosure: Full transparency from the government regarding investigations into previously reported cases, including the intercepted drugs in Guinea, the Lungi Airport incident, and the Brazilian container.
Protection for Whistleblowers: Guaranteed protection for individuals with credible information about drug trafficking operations.
Strengthened Border Security: Enhanced border security measures, including modern surveillance technologies and robust screening procedures at ports of entry.
The APC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Sierra Leonean people and ensuring the nation does not become a haven for drug traffickers. They called on all Sierra Leoneans, civil society organizations, and international partners to join them in demanding justice, transparency, and a drug-free Sierra Leone.
