By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, led a major destruction exercise of seized narcotic drugs during a formal ceremony held at its headquarters in Hastings. The operation was conducted in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Pharmacy Board, the Judiciary and the Office of National Security (ONS), signaling a renewed national commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks.

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Michael Laggah, Head of TOCU, told dignitaries and observers that the narcotics destroyed were seized through coordinated intelligence and enforcement operations undertaken by TOCU and other security agencies. The consignment included cocaine, Kush, Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol 500 mg, Kush manufacturing chemicals, expired drugs and other prohibited substances. He reaffirmed the Unit’s firm resolve to implement the Government’s directive to aggressively pursue and disrupt all actors involved in the illegal drug trade.

CSP Michael Laggah praised the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, for his unwavering support to TOCU’s counter-narcotic operations. He stressed that close cooperation among institutions is essential to defeating drug trafficking networks, noting that “no single entity can win this fight alone.”

Representing the IGP, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Dr. Martin Senessie, Director of Operations, reiterated the Sierra Leone Police’s steadfast support to NDLEA and other partners engaged in combating drug-related crimes. He assured that the police leadership remains fully committed to strengthening border security and apprehending individuals involved in the illegal narcotics trade.

NDLEA Executive Director, Andrew Jayah KaiKai, described the destruction exercise as a powerful symbol of Sierra Leone’s collective determination to confront narcotic abuse and trafficking. He emphasized that the substances destroyed had the potential to cause serious harm to communities and stressed that the anti-drug campaign would continue with renewed vigour to safeguard public health, national stability and the rule of law.

Andrew Jayah KaiKai thanked the Sierra Leone Police for their sustained logistical and operational support, describing the fight against drugs as “a battle for the soul of the nation.” He urged the Inter-Religious Council, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), traditional leaders and communities to intensify their involvement in the national campaign. He also encouraged citizens to report drug-related activities by using the national emergency hotline 117.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs,  David Fortune, expressed deep concern over the increasing flow of illicit drugs into the country. He noted that His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio remains fully engaged in addressing the drug crisis, citing the President’s recent visits to rehabilitation centres and his uncompromising stance against traffickers.

David Fortune warned that drug dealers and traffickers will face the full penalties prescribed by law. He called on all security and investigative bodies to expedite ongoing drug-related cases to ensure swift and effective justice. He further appealed to citizens, community leaders and institutions to remain vigilant and strengthen collaboration in the national anti-drug effort.

The event ended with Government officials, security officers, journalists and stakeholders observing the destruction of the seized narcotics, which were disposed of in a deep pit and set ablaze at the TOCU headquarters; a clear signal of Sierra Leone’s escalating determination to rid the nation of illicit drugs. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-intensifies-crackdown-as-tocu-burns-large-haul-of-illegal-drugs/