By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The main opposition party in Sierra Leone, the All People’s Congress (APC), has voiced serious concern and outrage over shocking reports implicating high-ranking government officials and their associates in an elaborate international drug trafficking network.
The opposition party warns that such revelations pose a grave threat to Sierra Leone’s integrity, security, and global reputation.
According to the party’s press releases, the recent seizure of a vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea, which was allegedly found carrying illicit drugs by Guinean authorities raised troubling questions about the involvement of state officials in illegal activities. Even more concerning is the reported association of convicted European drug trafficker, Jos Bolle, with influential government figures, including members of the First Family.
“These allegations are deeply troubling and cannot be ignored,” part of the release stated. “If the government fails to take swift action to address these concerns, Sierra Leone risks losing its credibility on the international stage. Investors will be hesitant to engage with a country perceived as a hub for organized crime, and our youth—already vulnerable to drug abuse—will suffer the most.”
It furthered stated that the APC has drawn attention to a series of unresolved drug-related incidents that have further fueled suspicions about the country’s role in international narcotics smuggling:
The Suspicious Container from Brazil: A mysterious shipping container from Brazil, suspected of carrying narcotics, has yet to be fully investigated. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about its contents, raising fears of a cover-up.
The Unidentified Aircraft at Lungi: The sudden arrival of an unidentified aircraft at Lungi International Airport under questionable circumstances raised eyebrows, the nature of its cargo still unknown; and the lack of transparency from officials has only deepened public concern.
Cocaine Disguised as Garri Intercepted in the UK: Authorities in the United Kingdom recently intercepted cocaine concealed in garri, reportedly originating from Sierra Leone, a discovery that has dealt a severe blow to the country’s image, further implicating it in the global drug trade.
