BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In an effort to intensify the crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse nationwide, a suspected drug trafficker met his demise after swallowing a significant quantity of illicit drugs during a police operation. The incident unfolded in Freetown, Sierra Leone, prompting authorities to address the escalating issue of narcotics within the country.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Regional Commander for Freetown East, Francis Brima Meinday, disclosed that on the morning of Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, the Harbour Division unit intercepted and apprehended a suspect identified as Ozonbay Chower. Chower, a foreign national residing at 54 Effort Lane, Lower Savage Square in Freetown, was found in possession of a substantial quantity of illegal substances, including a hundred wraps of Kush, twenty-five wraps of marijuana, and a sachet of suspected Kush.
However, upon his arrest, Chower resorted to a desperate attempt to evade prosecution by ingesting the entire stash of Kush in a rapid manner. This action prompted law enforcement to rush him to Kingtom Hospital for urgent medical attention. Tragically, Chower succumbed to the ingestion of the illicit drugs, reminiscent of a gangland-style demise.
AC Meinday reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Sierra Leone Police Force to combat the scourge of drug abuse, emphasizing the severity of its impact on society. He pledged continued efforts to conduct raids in notorious drug hotspots and apprehend individuals involved in illicit drug transactions. Additionally, he urged citizens to provide intelligence on locations and individuals engaged in drug-related activities.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Kugba Allieu, Head of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), reported on separate incidents of criminal activity. One involved the apprehension of Fatmata Jalloh, accused of engaging in money laundering with suspected counterfeit currency. Another operation led to the discovery and seizure of seventy cartons of Tramadol, a potent opioid, at the Queen Elizabeth II Quarry.
The TOCU head highlighted ongoing efforts to arrest suspects involved in drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises. However, amidst these law enforcement activities, regional commanders emphasized the relative peace prevailing in their respective areas of responsibility.
Assistant Commissioner Abdul Moigueh of Freetown-West cautioned against rumors of unlawful protests that could disrupt the nation’s tranquility, affirming the police’s readiness to maintain security measures. Meanwhile, investigations into drug-related deaths in Kambia District and Port Loko were underway, as reported by Regional Commander Manfred Williams of the North-West.
In the Southern Region, Assistant Inspector General of Police Brima Kanneh outlined border security measures to thwart unlawful activities. He further disclosed a significant number of drug-related cases charged to court since the beginning of the year, indicating the magnitude of the challenge faced by law enforcement.
Lastly, commissioners from the Eastern and North-Eastern regions reiterated their commitment to bolstering security checkpoints and combating the illicit drug trade in their respective territories.
As Sierra Leone grapples with the persistent threat of drug trafficking and abuse, law enforcement agencies remain resolute in their mission to safeguard public safety and uphold the rule of law.
