By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Security officers in Kambia District have arrested a 27-year-old Sierra Leonean man suspected of attempting to smuggle a large quantity of Tramadol tablets through the Rogberay Joint Security Checkpoint in Gbileh Chiefdom.
According to police reports, the suspect, identified as Abdul Akim Bangura, who is said to have recently returned from the United States, was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during a routine checkpoint search in Allen Town. Officers said the arrest was made after Bangura was found in possession of a substantial amount of suspected illegal drugs.
During the search, police discovered 1,287 cards of Tramadol tablets, believed to be 250mg each, along with two cups filled with red pills suspected to be of the same substance. The items were immediately confiscated, and the suspect was detained for further questioning.
Authorities said the arrest forms part of a broader campaign led by the Local Unit Commander (LUC) and the joint security forces to clamp down on the smuggling of dangerous drugs such as Kush, Tramadol, Cocaine, and Cannabis across Sierra Leone’s borders. The operation is aimed at breaking the supply chain of narcotics that have increasingly become a major threat to public health and safety, particularly among the country’s youth.
A police spokesperson who spoke to reporters commended the vigilance of the officers involved, noting that the operation underscores the commitment of security personnel to protecting communities from the spread of harmful substances.
“This operation sends a strong message that our security personnel are alert and serious about stopping the flow of illegal drugs that continue to destroy lives and damage our communities,” the spokesperson said. “We are determined to ensure that those who engage in such criminal activities are brought to justice.”
Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of the seized drugs. Police believe the suspect may be part of a larger network involved in the trafficking and distribution of Tramadol, a substance that has become widely abused in Sierra Leone in recent years.
Tramadol, a synthetic opioid painkiller, is commonly misused as a recreational drug due to its mood-altering effects. Health experts have repeatedly warned that abuse of the substance can lead to addiction, mental health complications, and even death. Its illegal trade has fuelled concerns about the growing public health crisis linked to drug dependency, especially among young people.
The Kambia District Security Committee has pledged continued cooperation between the police, customs, and immigration officers to strengthen surveillance at major border entry points and checkpoints. Officials say more operations are planned to intercept illegal substances and dismantle trafficking routes.
Meanwhile, Abdul Akim Bangura remains in custody as police continue their investigation. Authorities say he will be charged and prosecuted once the investigation is completed.
“This is another significant step in our collective fight against drug smuggling and substance abuse,” the police statement concluded. “We remain steadfast in protecting our communities from the dangers of illegal drugs.”
