By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has written an open letter to President Julius Maada Bio expressing serious concern over what he described as growing international reports linking Sierra Leone to drug trafficking and organized crime networks.
In the letter dated Sunday 10 May 2026, Mr Kargbo warned that repeated international allegations involving Sierra Leone, its ports, territorial waters, and some citizens are damaging the country’s image and raising concerns about national security.
He said Sierra Leone has increasingly appeared in international investigations, media reports, extradition proceedings, and law enforcement briefings related to cocaine trafficking and transnational criminal activities over the last two years.
The Opposition Leader pointed to the recent interception of the vessel MV Arconian by Spanish authorities off the coast of Western Sahara. According to the letter, the ship was allegedly carrying more than 30 tonnes of cocaine after reportedly departing from Freetown en route to Libya.
Kargbo referenced reports by international media outlets, including El País, which stated that the operation was carried out by the Spanish Guardia Civil with intelligence support from the United States DEA and Dutch authorities.
He further noted claims that the vessel previously operated under another name and once flew the Sierra Leone flag.
The letter also highlighted statements reportedly made by Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande Marlaska, alleging that authorities discovered weapons onboard the intercepted vessel, including rifles, pistols, ammunition, and armed security personnel believed to have been protecting the shipment.
Kargbo warned that the presence of heavily armed individuals on a vessel linked to Sierra Leone raises questions about the country’s maritime surveillance, port inspection systems, intelligence gathering, and border security capabilities.
He also referred to concerns surrounding alleged international drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos,” who has been mentioned in several international investigations connected to West African drug trafficking operations.
According to the Opposition Leader, international reports from Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, and North America are increasingly linking Sierra Leonean routes and individuals to narcotics interceptions and organized crime investigations.
Kargbo called on President Bio and state authorities to treat the matter with urgency, stressing that the allegations could have serious implications for Sierra Leone’s diplomatic standing, sovereignty, security, and economic future if not properly addressed.
