Sierra Leone’s security agencies have intensified efforts to combat illicit drugs, carrying out 182 operations across the country within a two-week period and recording multiple arrests and seizures.
The Head of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), CSP Reverend Michael J. K. Laggah, disclosed that officers recently intercepted a vehicle transporting 190 tablets suspected to be tapentadol, a potent opioid.
According to police, the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped, leaving behind a driver’s licence and a Guinean national identity card. The vehicle has since been impounded at TOCU headquarters as investigations continue.
In another operation, TOCU operatives arrested Foday Momoh Conteh after stopping him for riding a motorcycle without a valid licence. A search reportedly uncovered 20 parcels of dried leaves believed to be cannabis sativa. Police also found an identification card belonging to an officer of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in his possession. Authorities said the card has been handed over to CID, and the officer’s PIN details will assist ongoing inquiries.
Meanwhile, two additional suspects—Sheku Kamara and Abdulai Jalloh—were taken into custody after officers allegedly discovered 12 parcels of cannabis on them. All seized substances have been forwarded to the national laboratory for scientific analysis.
Police officials further revealed that out of the 182 raids conducted nationwide, 69 cases are still under active investigation. Twenty-two suspects were released due to insufficient evidence, while 20 have been formally charged to court. Five suspects remain in TOCU custody, with none currently held by CID.
The latest operations highlight the resolve of the Sierra Leone Police to curb the trafficking and abuse of illegal drugs.
Authorities say enforcement actions will be sustained as part of broader efforts to strengthen public safety and protect community health across the country.
