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The National Petroleum Regulatory Agency has disclosed plans to clamp down on illegal petroleum produce traders.
In a release from the agency, they made mention it had come to their notice that certain individuals are illegally trading their products in unauthorized locations in the country.
It also continued to the agency together with the Sierra Leone Police were going to embark on a joint patrol in order to stop these traders.
They warned the public not to aid nor abet these illegal activities.
“The general public, Oil Operators particularly dealers are warned not to aid or abet any such illegal activity as the crackdown will continue robustly to deal with defaulters,” it reads.
It also made mention of the trade’s involvement in underage kids, which according to them is totally unacceptable.
The release reads as follow;
ILLEGAL PETROLEUM ACTIVITIES IN UNAUTHORISED AREAS
It has come to the attention of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency that certain individuals are trading in petroleum products in an unauthorized public place.
This is totally unacceptable and against the petroleum laws of Sierra Leone. The Petroleum Regulatory Agency will be embarking on a joint patrol with the Sierra Leone Police to deter these emerging unscrupulous activities, particularly in Freetown. It is worrisome that some of these illegal traders involve underage children along the streets.
The following spots in Freetown have now been identified as notorious places for these inappropriate petroleum activities: Kinghaman Road / Hill Cot Junction, Wilkinson Road Coal Farm Junction, Berry Street / Hill Byepass Road, Dwarzack Junction, Dundas Street, and Passonage Street / Shell New Road.
The Agency which owes its responsibility to the people of Sierra Leone hereby urges anyone involved in such unlawful businesses to desist forthwith. The general public, Oil Operators particularly dealers are warned not to aid or abet any such illegal activity as the crackdown will continue robustly to deal with defaulters. Whilst Government continues to make the sector attractive, the regulatory landscape has also evolved with a range of enforcement functions to maintain the integrity of the industry and the environment in which we operate. We anticipate the cooperation of all.
