The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has reaffirmed its commitment to the national fight against drugs, announcing a series of major arrests and ongoing investigations during its latest press conference.
The briefing, part of the SLP’s regular updates to the public, highlighted significant progress in combating drug trafficking and related criminal activities across the country.
Addressing journalists, the Director of Operations, AIG Dr. John Mathew Senesi, stressed that the Police will continue to work closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other state institutions established to counter the growing drug menace. He underscored that the SLP remains fully committed to enforcing the government’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs and maintaining strict security measures to ensure public safety during the festive season.
As part of heightened surveillance at entry and exit points, the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, ACP Allieu Jalloh, disclosed that an internal investigation led to the arrest of four personnel working at the Freetown International Airport. Those arrested include Adams Peter Serry, Terminal Building Manager; Abu Bakarr Kamara, Security Manager; Alimamy Bangura, airport staff; and Mohamed Lamin, an employee of the Financial Intelligence Agency.
ACP Jalloh revealed that the suspects admitted facilitating a drug trafficker’s passage through the airport and collectively received $20,000 for their involvement. Some of the arrested individuals have reportedly returned their share of the illicit payment as investigations continue.
In a related development, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) announced several arrests involving foreign nationals caught with substances believed to be contraband. D/CSP Michael J. K. Lagga, head of TOCU, said Annet Maflah and Lovetta Maflah, both Liberian nationals, were found in possession of 2,130 tablets suspected to be tramadol. A Zambian national, Mirriam Shamane, was arrested after police discovered cans allegedly containing cocaine disguised as palm oil.
The SLP also arrested Inspector Joseph Koroma, attached to the Police Training School, for unlawful possession of 150 packets of tablets suspected to be tramadol. Other suspects include Mohamed Kamara, who was found with 12½ bags of leaves believed to be kush, and Mohamed Bangura, arrested with 201 wraps of suspected kush.
All seized substances have been forwarded to the laboratory for scientific analysis to support ongoing investigations.
The Sierra Leone Police confirmed that all suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
