Freetown, Sierra Leone – 11 August 2026: The Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, conducted a public destruction exercise involving seized narcotic and pharmaceutical drugs at the Unit’s headquarters in Hastings, Freetown.
The exercise was witnessed by representatives of the Sierra Leone Police, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Office of National Security (ONS), the Judiciary, diplomatic missions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, media practitioners and other partners.
In his address, the Head of TOCU, CSP Rev. Michael Lagga, emphasised that the destruction exercise was more than a routine procedure; it was a demonstration of transparency and the Government’s firm commitment to preventing illicit drugs from infiltrating communities.
He explained that the drugs had been seized through intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations involving TOCU and its partner agencies.
“Drug trafficking remains a grave threat to our national security. It fuels organised crime, corruption and violence, while undermining the well-being of our young people. Today’s exercise reaffirms our commitment to disrupting these criminal networks and protecting our communities,” CSP Rev. Lagga stated.
Representing the Office of National Security (ONS), Mr Lagga reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to combating organised crime through enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
He commended the various security agencies for their collaborative efforts and called for continued cooperation among government institutions, communities, international partners and the media in the fight against drug trafficking.
The Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Andrew J. Kaikai, also reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to tackling drug trafficking and protecting the public from the harmful effects of illicit substances.
He noted that the destruction of the seized drugs demonstrated the Government’s determination to prevent illegal drugs from reaching the public.
Mr Kaikai commended the strong collaboration among security agencies and called for sustained efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.
He disclosed that a total of 376 cartons of Tramadol and 20 cartons of Poska medicines, contained in two containers, had been seized through coordinated law-enforcement operations.
Following the completion of the required legal procedures and approval by the court, the seized drugs were authorised for destruction.
The exercise sent a strong message of Sierra Leone’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and organised crime. The ceremony culminated in the destruction of the confiscated substances, symbolising the Government’s firm stance against illicit drugs and the criminal enterprises associated with their trafficking and distribution.
Mr. Kaikai further expressed appreciation to the Government, the Inspector General of Police, security agencies, international partners and community stakeholders for their continued support in the fight against organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
Credit: SLP Media Team
