The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has intensified its fight against drug trafficking and abuse, arresting 130 suspects and seizing large quantities of suspected narcotics across the country. The announcement was made during the SLP’s weekly press briefing at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Kingtom.

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Michael J. K. Laggah, Head of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), and Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Dr. John Martin Senesie provided detailed updates on the operations conducted between 20th and 26th October 2025.

According to AIG Senesie, the 174 raids and checkpoint operations were part of a coordinated national campaign to dismantle drug supply networks.

 

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“Our approach combines enforcement with community engagement,” he said. “While arrests and prosecutions are crucial, public education and collaboration remain vital in curbing the growing menace of drug abuse.”

Among the results of the operations were several high-profile arrests:

Kadiatu Barrie was arrested in Makeni on 20th October with fifty-five (55) tablets of Tramadol and twenty-five (25) wraps of substances suspected to be Kush.

Abdul Akim Bangura was intercepted at Rogbere Police Checkpoint, Kambia, on 22nd October with 1,327 strips of suspected Tramadol.

Laurencia Kollie, a Guinean national, was apprehended at the Gendema Customs Police Checkpoint, Pujehun, on 23rd October with ninety-one (91) pellets of suspected cocaine.

Marie Keita was arrested in Makeni on 26th October with 200 wraps of shredded leaves suspected to be Kush, along with additional packages of suspected marshmallow and an electronic scale.

Ibrahim Kamara was also arrested in Makeni on 26th October with sixteen (16) wraps of shredded leaves suspected to be Kush.

Of the 130 suspects apprehended nationwide, 51 have been formally charged to court, while 79 remain under investigation.

The operations spanned all regions, with the Eastern Region recording the highest number of arrests (55), followed by Freetown West (21) and Freetown East (18). Other regions also saw significant enforcement actions.

AIG Senesie commended all officers involved in the successful operations and reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to sustaining the nationwide war on drugs. “Our hard approach focuses on detection, arrest, investigation, and prosecution, while the soft approach emphasizes community sensitization, public education, and media engagement,” he said.

The Sierra Leone Police continues to encourage citizens to report drug-related activities in their communities and to support law enforcement efforts in safeguarding public health and safety.