The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), working alongside the Office of National Security (ONS), has carried out the public destruction of a large cache of illegal drugs valued at more than one million United States dollars.
The exercise took place on Saturday, 27 December 2025, following authorisation from the High Court. The order, issued by Justice Mark Gaber of the Criminal and Legal Unit (CLU), approved the disposal of various narcotic and pharmaceutical substances previously seized by law enforcement agencies.
Among the items destroyed were cocaine, cannabis, kush, tramadol, “impulsos,” and other prohibited and highly dangerous drugs.
Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA Executive Director, Chief Andrew Jai Taikai, the agency’s Director of Operations, Ibrahim Kagbo, said the destruction was conducted in full compliance with the court’s directive.
He explained that the exhibits comprised drugs linked to concluded court cases, as well as unclaimed exhibits held by the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU).
Mr. Kagbo noted that while some drug-related matters are still pending before the courts, the National Drug Control Act permits the disposal of exhibits under specific legal conditions once approved by the court.
He added that the court ordered the destruction of most of the exhibits while instructing that representative samples be retained for future reference.
He further disclosed that samples were taken by a certified drug analyst before the exercise, in line with evidentiary standards and legal requirements, stressing that the entire process was carried out under the provisions of the National Drug Control Act of 2008.
Also addressing the gathering, ONS Communications Director Abukarim reaffirmed the government’s resolve to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse nationwide.
He recalled that earlier this year, the President approved the creation of Special Security Units to reinforce the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse.
The Special Security Unit comprises institutions such as the Sierra Leone Police, the Anti-Corruption Commission, State House Intelligence, ONS, and the NDLEA, with the NDLEA serving as the lead law enforcement agency.
Mr. Abukarim praised the media for supporting the initiative through sustained public awareness, noting that this was the fourth drug destruction exercise carried out in 2025.
He added that recent court rulings have seen tougher sentences imposed on convicted drug offenders, with some attracting lengthy prison terms under the law.
The exercise concluded with stakeholders inspecting the seized drugs before proceeding to the destruction site, where the substances were publicly destroyed in accordance with the High Court order.
