By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has categorically denied allegations connecting the country to a container found containing cocaine in Nigeria, asserting that verified shipping records confirm the container departed Freetown empty.
In a press release issued on November 14, 2025, the Authority responded to media reports from Nigeria claiming that a container (GCNU1332851) associated with Sierra Leone was discovered with illicit drugs at a Nigerian port.
The Authority stated that it has not received any formal communication from the Nigeria Ports Authority regarding the incident but has proactively sought official information on the matter.
To clarify the situation, the Sierra Leone Ports Authority provided a detailed timeline of the container’s movements, sourced from the shipping company Grimaldi and the Container Terminal Operator (FTL) in Freetown. According to the records, the 20-foot “dry” container was delivered full to a consignee in Freetown on October 8, 2025. Importantly, the container was returned empty to the terminal on October 11, 2025, where it was inspected, sealed, and subsequently loaded onto the vessel Grande Ghana 0225 on October 24, 2025.
The loading report, signed by the vessel’s Chief Officer, confirmed the container’s empty status, weighing in at 2,200 kg, which is typical for an empty container of this size. The vessel departed for Lagos on October 24 and arrived in Nigeria on October 29, with the container discharged the following day. Notably, Nigerian authorities flagged the container eight days later, on November 7.
By presenting this timeline, the Sierra Leone Ports Authority aims to clarify that the illicit contents could not have originated from its ports, based on documented evidence confirming the container’s empty state at departure. The Authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparent and accountable operations within the port sector.
For further inquiries, please contact the Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
