The Sierra Leone Police in the Southern Region have arrested several suspects in possession of illegal drugs at various checkpoints in Bo.

These operations, carried out over the weekend of October 19-20, 2024, were part of the police’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and disrupt criminal networks in the region.

Among the key arrests was Alhassan Koroma, a commercial driver from Waterloo, Freetown, who was apprehended at the Kebbie Town checkpoint with 6 grams of Tramadol, a controlled substance.

Koroma, who claimed ignorance of the package’s contents, alleged that the drugs were handed to him by an undisclosed individual. His arrest was made possible through the vigilance of the Bo West Night Patrol Team in collaboration with checkpoint officers.

On the same day, another suspect, Fomba Swaray, a driver from Monrovia, was intercepted at the Fallah checkpoint on the Bo-Taiama Highway. Swaray was found with six and a half parcels of Kush, a potent form of marijuana. His frequent travels between Liberia and Sierra Leone raised suspicions, leading to a search and his eventual arrest.

The day prior, on October 19, joint security forces stationed at the Jendema Customs Complex arrested two suspects attempting to smuggle large quantities of Tramadol into Liberia.

The suspects, identified as Titty Tamba and Nelly Shakey, had concealed the drugs within their personal belongings. In a related operation, Alhaji Mustapha Fofanah was also apprehended at the same location, found with a substantial amount of dried cannabis.

All the suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, led by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) at the Regional Police Headquarters South.

These operations have garnered praise for the efforts of Detective Police Constable Mohamed Patrick Ngobeh, whose success in cracking drug-related cases has made him a respected figure in the fight against drug trafficking.

Despite rumors of supernatural assistance, Ngobeh credits his accomplishments to rigorous police training and the leadership of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Brima Kanu, the Southern Region’s police commander. Under AIG Kanu’s leadership, the Southern Region has seen a notable decline in drug-related crimes, earning him recognition from local authorities.

These recent arrests highlight the effectiveness of the police and military’s joint efforts in curbing illegal drug activities and protecting Sierra Leone’s borders from the influx of illicit substances. Authorities remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and maintaining security in the region.