By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 29th December 2025-The Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), together with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Office of National Security, destroyed illegal drugs worth over one million United States dollars at the TOCU headquarters at Rogbangba on December 27, 2025.
Keynote speaker at the exercise, Ibrahim Kargbo, Director of Operations at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), announced that the drugs set for incineration were worth over one million United States dollars. “These drugs, including Kush, Tramadol, cannabis, cocaine, and Acetone, are worth over one million United States dollars,” he announced.
He said the destruction of these drugs was done in accordance with provisions in the National Drug Control Act 2008. “The destruction of these drugs is done in accordance with provisions in the National Drug Control Act 2008,” he said.
He also noted that this was the fourth destruction for the year and that the exercise marked a milestone in their efforts to combat drug-related crimes. “This is the fourth destruction for 2025, and this exercise marks a milestone in our collaborative effort as law enforcement and regulatory agencies in the fight against transnational organized crimes,” he said.
Head of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, CSP Lagga, said the exercise showed that they were transparent and had zero tolerance for drug-related crimes in the country. “Today’s exercise is not merely a procedural requirement; it is a strong statement of transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for drug-related crimes in Sierra Leone. The drugs being destroyed today were lawfully seized through sustained intelligence-led operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the dedication of officers who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” he noted.
Abdul Karim Will, Director of Strategic Communications and spokesperson at the Office of National Security, said the exercise served as a message to onlookers who might want to venture into the trade. “Today we are doing the fourth destruction of drugs in Sierra Leone for this year. This is a message that we are sending not only to those arrested but also to onlookers who have the tendency to go into this trade,” he said.
Sahr Moseray, Director of Serious Organized Crime and Counter Terrorism Coordination at the Office of National Security, said drugs threatened the future of youth in the country and that the destruction was a testament to their commitment to fighting organized crime in Sierra Leone. “The future of our youth is under serious threat posed by drugs, and this destruction is a demonstration of our unwavering support in fighting organized crimes in Sierra Leone and helping save the youth of this country,” he said.
ASP Stevens, Forensic Analyst at TOCU, said that over 100 accused had been charged to court. “Over 100 accused have been charged to court,” he said. He also noted that to minimize environmental hazards, the burning would be done in a pit. “We have a very deep pit where we will burn everything so the smoke can be minimized,” he said.
CSP Lagga assured those present that TOCU remained firm in dismantling drug trafficking networks in the country and that Sierra Leone would not be a safe haven for drugs. “Let me assure you that TOCU remains resolute in its mandate to detect, investigate, and dismantle drug trafficking networks while upholding human rights and the rule of law. We will continue to strengthen intelligence sharing, border control, and public awareness as part of our holistic responses to the drug menace. This will send a clear message that Sierra Leone will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers,” he noted.
