Post a comment 
The Government of Sierra Leone has strongly rejected allegations linking the country to a massive cocaine shipment intercepted by Spanish authorities, insisting that the vessel involved left Freetown without any illegal cargo on board.
Authorities maintain that there is no evidence connecting Sierra Leone’s port operations to the reported seizure of narcotics valued at approximately $812 million, stressing that all standard security and inspection procedures were properly followed before the vessel’s departure.
The clarification follows reports from Spanish law enforcement that the cargo vessel MV Arconian was intercepted at sea on May 1 with an alleged 30,215 kilograms of cocaine hidden on board. Spanish authorities said the interception took place about 430 nautical miles south of the Canary Islands.
However, Sierra Leone’s Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), under the Sierra Leone Police, says preliminary investigations do not support claims that the illicit drugs originated from Freetown.
Speaking on the matter, TOCU Director CSP Michael J.K. Laggah stated that the vessel underwent routine checks while docked in Freetown and was cleared with legitimate cargo only, with no indication of concealed narcotics during its stay.
According to port documentation reviewed by investigators, the ship arrived in Freetown on April 17 and departed on April 22 after loading declared consignments, including palm kernel products, marine diesel, and fresh water supplies.
Officials emphasized that inspection records, CCTV footage, and cargo manifests all confirm compliance with port security procedures, with no red flags detected before departure.
The vessel reportedly sailed with 17 crew members from Freetown, although Spanish authorities later reported detaining 23 individuals on board during the interception. The discrepancy has raised questions over possible boarding activity after the ship left Sierra Leonean waters.
TOCU further noted that the vessel’s extended voyage time longer than the expected transit duration suggests possible irregular movements outside national jurisdiction, reinforcing suspicions of offshore exploitation by transnational trafficking networks.
Authorities also clarified that the ship is linked to a foreign-registered company not based in Sierra Leone, distancing local shipping entities from the alleged drug operation.
While formal communication from Spanish authorities is still pending, Sierra Leonean officials say diplomatic engagement has already begun through international cooperation channels.
The government has reiterated its commitment to fully supporting ongoing investigations and urged the public to report any relevant information that could assist security agencies in tracking the wider criminal network believed to be behind the shipment.
