The Government of Sierra Leone, through its National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Office of National Security (ONS), Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), Pharmacy Board, and the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, has destroyed over $94 million worth of illicit drugs.

This significant operation took place at the TOCU headquarters in Hastings on July 19, 2024.

The drugs, seized by the Pharmacy Board and including Captagon pills intercepted by intelligence officials, were publicly destroyed. A few of the drugs were retained as evidence for ongoing court cases. NDLEA Executive Director, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai Esq., warned drug traffickers against using Sierra Leone as a base for their illegal activities. He reiterated President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s firm stance on pursuing individuals who attempt to smuggle drugs into the country. Kaikai emphasized the collective effort to cut the drug supply chain and assured that Sierra Leone will not serve as a sanctuary for traffickers. He also highlighted his dedication to protecting the youth, in line with President Bio’s Feed Salone Project, and noted a decrease in demand for kush.

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mohamed Kugba Allieu, head of TOCU, revealed that this was the fourth destruction of narcotics in six months. He confirmed that suspects are in custody and cooperating with the investigation, while others remain at large. Allieu urged citizens to support security forces by providing information on illicit drug activities.

Shek Ahmed Bah, Director of Serious Organized Crime Coordination and Counter Terrorism, called for ongoing collaboration within the security sector to dismantle criminal organizations. He highlighted the robust mechanisms in place to prevent drug trafficking, asserting that traffickers might bypass a few checkpoints but cannot evade the intelligence system entirely.

Prof. Foday Sahr, Coordinator of the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, praised the coordination between law enforcement agencies, leading to the unprecedented destruction of a large quantity of illicit drugs. Dr. Momoh from the Pharmacy Board urged citizens to purchase drugs only from recognized pharmacies and avoid street peddlers. He reported that the Pharmacy Board destroyed drugs worth NLe 2.5 million and affirmed the Board’s commitment to seizing and destroying unsafe drugs.

The Security Sector assured the public of their effective management of the situation, emphasizing that they receive intelligence both locally and internationally. They encouraged the public to provide any information that could help maintain peace and security in the country.