By: Saidu Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Police in the Southern Region have arrested several suspects for drug trafficking during operations at various checkpoints in Bo over the weekend of October 19-20, 2024. These actions are part of the police’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal networks in the area.
Among those arrested was Alhassan Koroma, a commercial driver from Waterloo, Freetown, who was apprehended at the Kebbie Town checkpoint with 6 grams of Tramadol, a controlled substance. Koroma claimed ignorance of the package’s contents, alleging that the drugs were given to him by an undisclosed individual. His arrest was facilitated by the vigilance of the Bo West Night Patrol Team in collaboration with checkpoint officers.
On the same day, another suspect, Fomba Swaray, a driver from Monrovia, was intercepted at the Fallah checkpoint on the Bo-Taiama Highway. Swaray was found in possession of six and a half parcels of Kush, a potent form of marijuana. His frequent travels between Liberia and Sierra Leone raised suspicions, leading to a search and his subsequent arrest.
The day prior, on October 19, joint security forces stationed at the Jendema Customs Complex apprehended two suspects attempting to smuggle large quantities of Tramadol into Liberia. The suspects, identified as Titty Tamba and Nelly Shakey, had concealed the drugs within their personal belongings. In a related operation, Alhaji Mustapha Fofanah was also captured at the same location with a significant amount of dried cannabis.
All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, led by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) at the Regional Police Headquarters South.
The operations have drawn praise for Detective Police Constable Mohamed Patrick Ngobeh, whose success in addressing drug-related cases has earned him respect in the fight against drug trafficking. Despite rumors of supernatural assistance, Ngobeh attributes his achievements to rigorous police training and the leadership of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Brima Kanu, the Southern Region’s police commander. Under AIG Kanu’s guidance, the region has witnessed a notable decline in drug-related crimes, garnering recognition from local authorities.
These recent arrests underscore the effectiveness of police and military collaboration in curbing illegal drug activities and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s borders from the influx of illicit substances. Authorities remain committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks and maintaining security in the region.
