By: Saidu Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has ramped up its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, arresting 130 individuals and seizing significant quantities of suspected narcotics in coordinated operations across the country.
This announcement was made during the SLP’s weekly press briefing at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, where Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Michael J.K. Laggah, Head of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), briefed the media on the latest developments.
According to Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Dr. John Martin Senesie, the operations, conducted between October 20 and 26, 2025, are part of the SLP’s ongoing national campaign to dismantle drug supply networks and hold traffickers accountable.
AIG Senesie emphasized that the SLP’s strategy combines strong law enforcement with community engagement. He noted that while arrests and prosecutions are essential, raising public awareness and fostering collaboration are equally crucial to combating the growing issue of drug abuse.
The recent operations yielded significant successes, including the arrest of Kadiatu Barrie in Makeni, who was found with Tramadol tablets and Kush; Abdul Akim Bangura in Kambia, who was found with over 1,000 strips of suspected Tramadol; Laurencia Kollie, a Guinean national, who was arrested at the Jendema border with suspected cocaine; Marie Keita in Makeni, who was found with large quantities of Kush and other substances; and Ibrahim Kamara, also in Makeni, with several wraps of suspected Kush. Forensic analysis of the seized substances is currently underway.
Police data shows that 174 drug raids were conducted nationwide during the reporting period, leading to the arrest of 130 suspects 21 in Freetown West, 18 in Freetown East, 23 in the North-West, 7 in the North-East, 16 in the South, and 55 in the Eastern Region. Of these, 51 suspects have been charged to court, while 79 remain under investigation.
AIG Senesie praised the officers involved in the successful operations and reiterated the SLP’s commitment to continuing its anti-drug campaign through both “hard” and “soft” approaches.
The “hard” approach focuses on detection, arrest, investigation, and prosecution, while the “soft” approach emphasizes community sensitization, public education, and media engagement.
The Sierra Leone Police has urged citizens to report any drug-related activities in their communities and to continue supporting law enforcement efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and safety.