By Forum staff writer
The Sierra Leone Police have seized forty four cartons of suspected tramadol during a targeted security operation at the cargo warehouse of Freetown International Airport in Lungi, reinforcing ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking of illicit drugs into the country.
The operation took place on Monday 5 January 2026 and was carried out by officers of the Airport Police Division following actionable intelligence regarding the arrival of a suspicious cargo consignment. Acting promptly on the information received, the police launched a coordinated search that led to the discovery of the cartons within the airport cargo terminal.
The operation was led by the Local Unit Commander of the Airport Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police Cecilia Akiebo Cole, who supervised the exercise alongside her team. According to police sources, the intelligence indicated that the consignment contained items of police interest, prompting heightened vigilance and immediate intervention.
During a thorough inspection of the cargo warehouse, officers identified and secured the forty four cartons believed to contain tramadol, a controlled pharmaceutical substance that is frequently abused and trafficked illegally. The cartons were promptly removed from circulation and secured as exhibits to prevent them from reaching the streets.
One individual suspected to be connected to the consignment was arrested at the scene. The suspect was taken into custody without incident as investigations commenced. Police sources confirmed that both the suspect and the seized cartons were subsequently handed over to the Transnational Organised Crime Unit for further action.
The Transnational Organised Crime Unit is expected to conduct detailed forensic analysis on the seized items to confirm their contents. Investigators will also probe the origin of the consignment, its intended destination and any possible links to wider criminal networks involved in drug trafficking within and beyond Sierra Leone.
The Sierra Leone Police have described the operation as a significant step in the fight against drug related crimes, particularly the illegal importation and distribution of tramadol which poses serious public health and security risks. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to strengthening intelligence led policing at all entry points, including airports seaports and land borders.
Police have also called on members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information that can help disrupt criminal activities. Investigations into the matter are ongoing and further updates are expected as more details emerge.
