The Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) has destroyed a substantial quantity of illicit drugs in a public disposal exercise held at its headquarters in Hastings, marking another significant step in Sierra Leone’s fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Pharmacy Board, the Judiciary, and the Office of National Security (ONS), was aimed at sending a clear warning to drug traffickers and peddlers across the country.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Michael Laggah, Head of TOCU, said the destroyed substances were part of consignments seized through coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies. The items included cocaine, Kush, cannabis sativa, Tramadol 500 mg, Kush manufacturing chemicals, expired medicines, and other narcotic substances.
CSP Laggah reaffirmed TOCU’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks nationwide, praising Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu for his continued support. He emphasised that the fight against drugs requires strong institutional collaboration, noting that “no single agency can win this battle alone.”
Representing the IGP, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Dr Martin Senessie, Director of Operations, assured that the Sierra Leone Police remains committed to partnering with the NDLEA and other security institutions to eliminate drug trafficking and strengthen border security.
NDLEA Executive Director, Mr Andrew Jayah KaiKai, described the exercise as a “powerful symbol” of Sierra Leone’s united front against narcotics. He warned that the destroyed drugs could have inflicted serious damage on communities had they reached the streets. Mr KaiKai thanked the police for their logistical support and called on all citizens to take an active role in reporting drug activities through the 117 emergency line.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr David Fortune, who represented the government, described the surge in drug trafficking as a national crisis. He reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to tackling the issue, citing his personal engagement with rehabilitation centres and anti-drug campaigns.
Mr Fortune warned that anyone caught dealing in narcotics would face the full force of the law and urged law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and prosecutions to ensure swift justice.
The ceremony ended with officials, journalists, and other stakeholders witnessing the destruction of the drugs, which were dumped into a pit and set ablaze at the TOCU compound in Hastings.
