By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Police, in collaboration with partner security agencies, have destroyed narcotic drugs valued at more than NLe 1.68 million during a public exercise held at the headquarters of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit in Hastings, Freetown.
The destruction took place on Friday 6 March 2026 and was witnessed by security officials, representatives of partner institutions and members of the media. The exercise involved the burning of various narcotic substances that had been seized during several anti narcotics operations conducted across the country.
Authorities said the public destruction was aimed at strengthening transparency and reinforcing the country’s commitment to tackling the growing threat of drug trafficking and abuse.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit, Chief Superintendent of Police Reverend Michael Laggah, said the exercise sends a strong signal that Sierra Leone will not serve as a safe haven for drug traffickers.
He explained that publicly destroying the seized drugs demonstrates accountability and assures citizens that substances confiscated during police operations are handled in accordance with the law.
According to him, the police and other security institutions remain determined to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling networks involved in the importation, distribution and production of illegal drugs in the country.
Representing the Director of Crime Services, Assistant Commissioner of Police Brima Kamara also addressed the gathering. He noted that the destruction exercise responds directly to public concerns about the fate of drugs seized by law enforcement officers.
Kamara assured the public that all narcotics destroyed during the exercise went through the necessary legal procedures before approval was granted for their disposal.
He emphasized that the police are committed to ensuring that exhibits recovered during investigations are handled properly and destroyed once they are no longer required as evidence in court proceedings.
The narcotics destroyed during the operation included cocaine, kush, marshmallow, ecstasy, cannabis sativa and other chemical substances believed to be used in the production and distribution of illegal drugs.
Security officials said the seized substances were recovered during a series of coordinated operations carried out by the Sierra Leone Police and partner agencies in different parts of the country.
Representatives from the Office of National Security, the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency were present during the exercise, demonstrating a unified approach among state institutions in addressing drug related crimes.
Officials at the event reiterated that the fight against drug trafficking requires strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies, government institutions and the general public.
Authorities further disclosed that the operation forms part of broader national efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking and abuse. These efforts intensified after President Julius Maada Bio convened a high level security meeting in 2025 to address the growing concern over narcotics in the country.
Following that meeting, a special taskforce was established to strengthen intelligence gathering and disrupt drug supply networks operating within Sierra Leone.
Security agencies say they will continue to pursue individuals involved in the drug trade while encouraging citizens to support the fight by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
