Freetown, 13th October 2025 — A storm of controversy has erupted over reports of sixteen containers allegedly smuggled out of Queen Elizabeth II Quay under suspicious circumstances, exposing deep inconsistencies between government agencies and raising urgent questions about corruption, accountability and revenue loss.
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has launched a formal investigation into what it describes as alleged ‘fraudulent practice’ involving the unauthorized clearing of containers without customs procedures or payment of duties. In a statement issued on October 10, the Commissioner-General confirmed a multi-agency probe is underway, involving the Sierra Leone Police, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The NRA pledged full recovery of lost revenue, prosecution of offenders, and transparency throughout the process.
But while the NRA is digging deeper, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority has taken a sharply different stance, dismissing the allegations outright. In a prompt statement, SLPHA described the reports as “false, misleading, and completely unfounded,” insisting that no such incident occurred and that port operations do not run on Sundays, the day the alleged smuggling took place. The Authority also claimed no container numbers or shipment details were provided to substantiate the claims.
The allegations on social media are eye catchy, they claim containers were moved out at midnight, aided by a syndicate involving senior police officers and government officials.
They went on to allege that following media alerts, police intercepted only three containers, which were taken to Ross Road Police Station. One of those containers reportedly vanished overnight. Subsequent inspections by CID officers were described as “staged,” with journalists barred from observing the process.
Allegations of bribery have further muddied the waters. the claim indicates that Le 520,000 was paid for the release of the containers, with additional sums allegedly distributed among CID personnel and senior officers.
The public is now demanding answers. If SLPHA insists nothing happened, why is the NRA mounting a full-scale investigation? If the police intercepted containers, why were journalists removed and one container lost? And if the institutions tasked with protecting state assets are compromised, who will hold the line?
This scandal is more than a breach of protocol, it’s a test of Sierra Leone’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law. The inconsistencies between official statements and on-the-ground realities point to a system in crisis. Until a thorough, independent probe is conducted and findings made public, confidence in the country’s port operations and law enforcement will remain dangerously eroded
