By Ishmael Dumbuya
In a significant effort to rid Sierra Leone of illicit drugs, the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and other law enforcement agencies destroyed over $94 million worth of drugs on Friday July 19 2024.
The destruction of the illicit drugs marked the fourth of such operation this year, following similar exercises in February and April. The destruction is part of a concerted effort to eliminate the presence of narcotics in the country.
The Executive Director of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Andrew Jaia Kaikai noted that this is the largest consignment of confiscated drugs that were destroyed.
He emphasized that there is a need for collaboration amongst major stakeholders, including the relevance for a whole of society’s approach to eradicate the drug abuse menace in Sierra Leone. He added that amongst the drugs destroyed were Tramadol, Kush, and other contraband drugs.
The Executive Director underscored that Sierra Leone will not be made a safe haven for drug trafficking, and that President Bio is very passionate about the fight against illicit drugs because they are destroying the lives of the youthful population.
According to Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Lahai, Director of Crime Services, the ultimate goal is to prevent such drugs from entering the country and affecting the future of Sierra Leone’s youth population. “The presence of these drugs poses a bleak future for our young people,” he warned.
The Commissioner urged the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the importation, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs.
Director of Serious crime at the Office of National Security (ONS), Ahmed Bah, stressed the need of collaboration among stakeholders particularly in the communities, who have also got a strategic role towards the fight against drugs in Sierra Leone, noting that the drug menace is eating into the fabrics of the country’s youths.
This latest operation demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies in Sierra Leone to combating drug trafficking and reducing drug-related crime.
The Head of TOCU, CSP Mohamed Kugba Allieu, as well as other stakeholders made meaningful contributions to this initiative.
