The Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Office of National Security (ONS), Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), Pharmacy Board, and the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, has destroyed over $94 million worth of illicit drugs. The destruction took place at the TOCU headquarters in Hastings on July 19, 2024.

Among the many drugs destroyed were those seized by the Pharmacy Board and the Captagon pills intercepted by Sierra Leone’s intelligence officials. A few of the drugs were retained as exhibits for ongoing court cases involving suspects who are yet to be charged.

NDLEA Executive Director, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai Esq., warned drug traffickers against using Sierra Leone as a haven for their illegal activities. He reiterated President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to pursuing anyone attempting to bring illegal drugs into the country. Kaikai assured that his agency, along with its partners, is working diligently to cut the supply chain, emp
hasizing that Sierra Leone will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers. He also expressed his dedication to protecting the country’s youth by supporting President Bio’s Feed Salone Project and noted the progress in the fight against kush, citing a decrease in demand and use.

Head of TOCU, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mohamed Kugba Allieu, revealed that this is the fourth destruction of narcotics and contraband drugs in six months. He emphasized that suspects are in custody and cooperating with the investigation, while others are still at large. Allieu encouraged citizens to support security forces by providing vital information to combat illicit drug activities.

Shek Ahmed Bah, Director of Serious Organized Crime Coordination and Counter Terrorism, called for continued collaboration within the security sector to dismantle organized criminal organizations. He highlighted the robust mechanisms in place to prevent drug trafficking, asserting that traffickers might bypass a few checkpoints but cannot
evade the intelligence system entirely.

Prof. Foday Sahr, Coordinator of the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, praised the coordination between law enforcement agencies, which led to the unprecedented destruction of large amounts of illicit drugs. He emphasized the Task Force’s role in coordinating efforts across ministries, departments, and agencies to combat the drug menace.

Dr. Momoh from the Pharmacy Board urged citizens to purchase drugs only from recognized and approved pharmacies and to avoid buying from street peddlers. He reported that the destroyed drugs seized by the Pharmacy Board were worth NLe 2.5 million and affirmed the Board’s ongoing commitment to seizing and destroying unsafe drugs.

The Security Sector assured the public that they are effectively managing the situation, noting that they receive intelligence both locally and internationally. They encouraged the public to provide any information that could help maintain peace and security in the country.

Source: Sierra Le
one News Agency