By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
In a decisive move against narcotics, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has reported the arrest of over 130 individuals in a nationwide crackdown, with five of those detained being police officers themselves. This initiative, which has gained momentum over the past week, underscores the SLP’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes.
During a press briefing on November 5, 2025, at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) John Matine Senesie provided details on the substantial arrests made across the country. The operations have yielded significant quantities of illicit substances, primarily Kush and Cannabis Sativa.
Noteworthy arrests include:
- Mariama Bangura and Alfred Kanu: Captured on October 31 at Rasmusson Street, Brookfields, with 707 wraps of Kush.
- Abdul Rahman Conteh: Detained on October 29 at Ferry Junction, possessing 560 wraps of Kush.
- Hassanatu Samai: Arrested on November 4 in Allen Town with 434 wraps of Kush.
- Bai Mansaray: Taken into custody on October 20 in Cline Town with 347 wraps of Kush.
- Police Constables Thomas Anthony Momoh and Abu Harding: Found with six half-filled polythene bags of Kush at Mile 13, Goderich, and subsequently charged to court on October 30.
The crackdown has also seen the arrest of Kadiatu Kondeh and Mariama Stella Koroma in Aberdeen, with 239 wraps of Cannabis Sativa and 509 wraps of Kush, respectively. Other arrests involved individuals with varying amounts of Kush, including Aron Brainard (541 wraps) and Ibrahim Conteh (539 wraps).
AIG Senesie confirmed the involvement of police personnel, stating, “There are no sacred cows in this fight.” The implicated officers include Sergeants Charles Harding and Musa Sidikie Swaray, as well as Constables Sulaiman Aziz Turay and Allieu Bangura.
Regional statistics reveal the following breakdown of arrests:
- Freetown West: 10 suspects
- Freetown East: 30 suspects
- North-East Region: 22 suspects
- Southern Region: 26 suspects
- Eastern Region: 48 suspects
All detainees are currently under investigation. AIG Senesie urged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. “The fight against this deadly menace requires the collective effort of all citizens,” he emphasized.
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