Freetown, May 23, 2025 — A significant drug bust has been carried out by the Sierra Leone Police following the interception of a container packed with illegal narcotics at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.
The operation, led by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), took place on Wednesday, May 22, 2025.
Acting on a credible tip-off, officers launched a targeted inspection of a 40-foot container that had been declared as carrying Amazonian products. What they found, however, was far from legitimate.
According to information reported by Awoko Newspaper, the container held eight bags labeled “Property of Amazon” along with 17 other bags filled with kush — a potent synthetic drug that has raised alarm across the country. Officers also discovered several transparent bags containing what are believed to be raw materials used in kush production.
Detective Superintendent Abass Y. Bangura, Deputy Head of TOCU, confirmed that authorities moved swiftly based on actionable intelligence.
“We intervened before the consignment could be distributed. Our priority is stopping this at the source,” he said.
So far, no arrests have been made, but police have launched a full investigation to identify the individuals behind the shipment. Authorities believe the operation may involve multiple actors and have promised further updates as inquiries continue.
The discovery comes amid rising concern over drug abuse in Sierra Leone, particularly among the youth. Kush has been linked to a spike in mental health problems, criminal activity, and the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Despite ongoing public awareness efforts and intervention programs, the drug trade continues to pose a major threat to public health and safety.
Police say further details, including the estimated street value of the drugs, will be released as the investigation unfolds.
