By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s security authorities have launched preliminary investigations following international media reports of a cocaine seizure by Spanish Police involving a vessel that reportedly departed from Freetown on April 22, 2026, before being intercepted en route to the Mediterranean.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Office of National Security (ONS) stated that the Security Sector had taken note of the reports concerning the Comoros Islands-registered vessel and had already initiated inter-agency assessments to establish the facts surrounding the ship’s movements and voyage history.
The statement revealed that neither the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority nor the Sierra Leone Police had received any official communication from Spanish authorities regarding the alleged incident.
However, the Security Sector confirmed that investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the matter. Authorities added that all necessary verification procedures would be carried out as part of the inquiry.
The ONS assured the public and international partners that the issue was being treated “seriously and professionally,” emphasizing Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to combating transnational organised crime and upholding international security standards.
Meanwhile, the Security Sector urged members of the public with credible information related to the matter to contact the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) through the number provided in the release.
The reported seizure has drawn significant public attention amid growing regional and international concerns over drug trafficking routes across West Africa.