By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has firmly denied allegations circulating in Nigeria that a shipping container linked to Sierra Leone was found carrying cocaine. In a detailed statement released today, the Authority clarified that the container in question left the Port of Freetown completely empty and arrived in Lagos in the same condition, directly challenging reports suggesting otherwise.
According to SLPHA, the container—identified as a standard 20-foot dry unit, was handled by the international shipping company Grimaldi. The Authority outlined a clear timeline of the container’s movement to counter the allegations and provide transparency regarding its operations.
SLPHA explained that the container was originally discharged at the Port of Freetown on September 13, 2025, and was delivered full to its consignee on October 8. It was later returned empty to the FTL terminal on October 11. The vessel Grande Ghana 0225, which transported the container, conducted a routine inspection and sealed the unit on October 24 before it departed Freetown. At the time of departure, the container weighed 2,200 kilograms and was confirmed to be empty as it began its journey to Lagos, with a scheduled transit through Cotonou.
Grimaldi further confirmed that the vessel berthed in Lagos on October 29. The container was discharged the following day, October 30, and the offloading operation was fully completed by October 31. Notably, the container was officially flagged by Nigerian authorities on November 7—eight days after it had already been discharged, raising questions about the delay in initiating any investigative process.
In its statement, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority stressed that it has not received any formal notification or communication from the Nigerian Ports Authority regarding the allegations. To maintain full transparency and accountability, SLPHA has officially written to request clarification and formal confirmation of the claims being reported.
The Authority reassured the public that it remains committed to upholding strict international port management standards, particularly as West Africa continues to face heightened concerns over drug trafficking and the misuse of shipping channels. SLPHA emphasized that its operational systems, inspection procedures, and partnerships with international shipping lines are designed to ensure security and accuracy at all stages of cargo handling.
This development comes at a time when several West African ports are under scrutiny due to increased drug seizures and allegations of compromised shipping containers. The SLPHA’s decisive response seeks to protect the integrity of Sierra Leone’s port operations and reinforce the country’s commitment to combating illicit trafficking in all forms.
As the situation unfolds, the Authority says it is prepared to cooperate fully with regional and international partners to verify facts and uphold security standards. It further urged media outlets and stakeholders to rely on verified information as investigations continue.
