By Foday Moriba Conteh

The All People's Congress (APC) has on January 29, 2025 issued a Press Release expressing deep concern over recent allegations linking high-ranking Government officials to international drug trafficking networks. Signed by Lansana Dumbuya, the party’s Secretary General, the statement calls for urgent transparency and accountability to protect Sierra Leone’s integrity and reputation.

The APC's statement follows alarming reports that a vehicle belonging to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea was found with illicit drugs by Guinean authorities. Additionally, the party highlights the alleged association of convicted European drug trafficker Jos Bolle with senior Government officials, including members of the First Family. These developments, the APC warns, risk tarnishing Sierra Leone’s international image, deterring foreign investment and exacerbating the country’s struggle with drug abuse among its youth.

The APC has pointed to several unresolved drug-related incidents that it claims further undermine public trust in the Government’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking. These include:

- The mysterious container from Brazil suspected of carrying narcotics.


- An unidentified aircraft that landed at Lungi International Airport under suspicious circumstances.


- The interception of cocaine disguised as garri in the United Kingdom, reportedly originating from Sierra Leone.


- The alleged protection and harboring of convicted drug trafficker Jos Bolle by key Government officials.

The APC contends that these incidents cast doubt on whether state institutions are being used to combat or facilitate international drug trafficking.

To restore public confidence and uphold national integrity, the APC called for the following urgent actions to be undertaken:

- Independent Investigation: The party demands a thorough and impartial investigation into all drug trafficking allegations involving Government officials. It insists that this investigation be conducted by an independent commission with the involvement of international bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).


- Accountability and Prosecution: The APC asserts that all individuals implicated in drug-related crimes, regardless of status or political affiliation, must face legal consequences. It calls for swift prosecution of those named in recent reports.


- Public Disclosure: The party urges the Government to provide full transparency on past and ongoing investigations, particularly regarding the intercepted drugs in Guinea, the Lungi Airport incident and the Brazilian container.


- Whistleblower Protection: The APC stresses the need for legal protections for individuals who provide credible information about drug trafficking networks, ensuring their safety and encouraging further revelations.


- Strengthening Border Security: Noting Sierra Leone’s vulnerability as a drug transit route, the APC calls for immediate improvements in border security, including modern surveillance technology and stricter screening at entry points.

The APC reaffirmed its dedication to protecting Sierra Leone from becoming a haven for drug traffickers and criminals. The party pledged to continue holding the Government accountable and exploring all legal avenues to bring perpetrators to justice.

In the concluding aspect of the Press Statement, the APC called on Sierra Leoneans, Civil Society Organizations and international partners to join them in demanding justice, transparency and a drug-free nation. Emphasizing the stakes for the country’s youth and international reputation, the party insists that the Government must take immediate and decisive action to address these concerns.

It must be highlighted that at a recently held APC Monthly Parliamentary Conference at the APC Party’s headquarters on Old Railway Line, Brookfields, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the leader of the opposition in Parliament, echoed similar concerns regarding Sierra Leone's involvement in international drug trafficking networks and called on the Bio-led Government to take urgent action to protect Sierra Leone from the international reputational damage the country is currently facing.

Addressing the Press, he cited multiple instances of the Bio-led administration's involvement in the cocaine trade, suggesting that there are efforts to turn the country into a drug cartel hub.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo further highlighted that Sierra Leoneans were recently deported from Guinea due to drug-related offenses, specifically cocaine and Kush. The Guinean Government accused Sierra Leoneans of importing Kush into their country.


He described the situation as shameful, noting that the Guinean Government disregarded diplomatic protocols by failing to involve the Sierra Leonean Embassy or Ambassador in the deportation process. This, he claimed, was due to Guinea's suspicion that the Sierra Leonean Ambassador and Embassy were deeply involved in the cocaine and Kush trade.


He cited as evidence the recent discovery of a large quantity of cocaine in a vehicle belonging to Sierra Leone's Embassy in Guinea.

Furthermore, Hon. Abdul Kargbo demanded clarity on the recall of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea. He also urged the Bio-led Government to address allegations that it is harboring a convicted drug kingpin in Sierra Leone. His concerns grew stronger following the circulation of photographs on social media showing the drug kingpin who has been sentenced to 24 years in the Netherlands in close proximity to the presidency.

The Government's failure to respond to these allegations, he asserted, has caused severe reputational damage to the state. He emphasized the urgency of accountability regarding both the convicted drug trafficker and the recalled Ambassador in order to restore Sierra Leone’s credibility.

On the issue of the Counter-Terrorism Act, which has been tabled in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo strongly criticized the Bill, calling it a calculated attempt to suppress dissenting voices including political parties, the media, and ordinary citizens.

He argued that the Bill does not align with the African Model on Counter-Terrorism and, if passed, could undermine legitimate political advocacy, peaceful protests, and constructive criticism of the Government.

The Opposition  Leader urged the Bio-led Government and the Speaker of Parliament to reconsider the Bill and ensure that it aligns with the African Model, which includes provisions for exemptions.

He concluded by affirming that the APC Party supports the fight against terrorism but insists that such efforts must be in line with Sierra Leone’s Constitution and the fundamental rights and liberties of its citizens.