By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the fight against drug peddling and medicine-related violations across the country.
The agreement was formalized on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, with Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu and PBSL Registrar Dr. James Komeh officiating the signing of this strategic partnership between the two institutions.
IGP Sellu stated that the MoU had undergone months of legal review by the police and would be implemented nationwide. He assured that regional commanders would be instructed to fully support the Pharmacy Board’s operations.
On behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, Dr. Komeh warmly welcomed the move, noting that it fulfilled the Board’s long-standing efforts to secure structured cooperation with the police. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness among provincial police officers.
The Chief Pharmacist and PBSL’s Board Chairman, Dr. Moses Batema, described the agreement as a vital step in protecting public health. He highlighted that drug peddling, counterfeit medicines, and non-compliance with pharmaceutical regulations posed serious risks to the health and safety of Sierra Leoneans.
Importantly, the MoU outlines provisions for joint enforcement operations, information-sharing, and collaborative training programs for both police and pharmacy officials.
According to the agreement’s preamble, medicine-related violations are increasingly seen as growing threats to public safety and healthcare delivery in the country.
A major term of the MoU is that the initial agreement will run for one year, with both parties expressing optimism that it will be extended based on its success.