By: Tommy Sidikie, Reporter
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at approximately 11:00 AM, the administration of Baptist Secondary School in Allentown, Freetown, alerted the Temne Town Police Post to a troubling situation after more than 20 students fell ill due to exposure to toxic substances in the air. The school promptly transported the affected students to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.
In response to the report, Temne Town Police coordinated with local authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. Senior police officials, including AIG Francis Brima Mengai, Regional Commander for Freetown East, and L.U.C. Kissy Division’s Operations Officer Mr. Andrew, along with additional reinforcements, arrived on the scene. During the search operation, which included the principal, vice principals, and faculty members, authorities uncovered a sophisticated drug manufacturing facility on the school premises. Police seized multiple illegal substances and materials, including large quantities of shredded leaves suspected to be Kush (a form of marijuana), ten plastic bags of similar material, nine gallons of a brown liquid believed to be ethanol, seven machines used for drug production, twelve gallons of a colorless liquid suspected to be acetone, a bag containing a waterish substance thought to be tramadol hydrochloride, and eight liters of substances identified as Lufthansa cargo (a type of drug).
Additionally, significant sums of cash were discovered in various bags and suitcases, allegedly linked to illegal activities. Two suspects, Zainab Kamara and Momoh Andrew Jah, were apprehended and questioned. Kamara claimed involvement in business operations in China, while Jah admitted to drug trafficking. The investigation revealed that the metal gate leading to the clandestine laboratory had been breached, indicating that the operation was conducted covertly. Fortunately, no structural damage was reported on the school premises. All seized materials and vehicles associated with the suspects were transported to Hastings Police Station for further investigation. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the criminal operation, with plans to analyze the seized substances and cash. This incident underscores growing concerns over illegal drug manufacturing and distribution in the region, prompting law enforcement agencies to commit to dismantling such operations to ensure community safety.
