SLPHA Facilitates Destruction of 461 Cartoons of Narcotic Drugs

Freetown, 29th April 2026- The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), together with stakeholders in the security sector, on Wednesday, 29^th April 2026, facilitated the public destruction of narcotic drugs at the headquarters of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU).

The destroyed narcotic drugs, totalling 461 cartoons, were intercepted via a joint operation carried out by the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), National Revenue Authority (NRA), Office of the National Security (ONS), Pharmacy Board and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on 24^th March 2026 at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.

Speaking on behalf of the SLPHA, Principal Media Officer, Aruna Momoh Kargbo, reemphasised the Authority’s commitment to transparency in the fight against prohibited substances and other maritime crimes. He pointed out that the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has “zero tolerance” for illegal drugs and maritime crimes. Kargbo stressed that the Director General is not only concerned about the interception of these illegal substances, but is also calling for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in their importation.

Before the public destruction of the contraband, Ibrahim Kargbo of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLA), in his statement, confirmed that the Hon. Justice Mark Ngegba of the High Court issued a directive for the destruction of the narcotic drugs. The Head of TOCU, Rev. CSP. M. J. K Laggah, maintained that the seizure is a result of the collective efforts of the various security players, noting that it presents a firm and unwavering commitment of the government and the people of Sierra Leone in the fight against illegal drugs.

“The destruction of these drugs sends a clear and strong message that Sierra Leone remains resolute in its zero-tolerance stance against the trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs,” CSP Laggah affirmed.

All 461 cartoons of narcotic drugs were destroyed by incineration at the TOCU Headquarters pit, in the presence of members of the media and the public.