On Saturday, 27th December 2025, law enforcement stakeholders converged at the Transnational Organised Crime Unit’s (TOCU) HQ at Hastings to undertake the fourth destruction exercise of seized narcotic drugs worth over one million United States Dollars for the year 2025. The previous destruction exercises were conducted in March, July and November 2025, respectively. These repeated destruction exercises underscore the zero tolerance posture and unwavering commitment of the state’s law enforcement agencies in the fight against drugs and substance abuse.
The destruction of seized narcotic drugs is in line with the legal provision; Section 47 of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008, which mandates the early disposal of seized substances with the objective of eliminating any risk of their redistribution into communities. Prohibited narcotic drugs (cocaine, tramadol, kush cannabis sativa, precursor chemicals, etc) of significant monetary value were among the items destroyed through controlled incineration.
Present at the destruction site were key dignitaries and representatives from the Director of Crime Services (Sierra Leone Police), the Fourth Estate, the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, the Office of National Security, the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Civil Society, among others.
The event was moderated by Mr. Abdul Karim Will, Director of Strategic Communications and Technology Directorate at ONS, with speakers delivering strong statements on the ongoing battle against drugs trafficking. The Head of TOCU and representative of the Director of Crime Services, D-CSP, Michael J. K Lagga, delivered a statement on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police. He emphasised the importance of collective efforts and unity in combating drugs, while promoting transparency and accountability.
He reaffirmed the security sector's zero tolerance posture and policy towards preventing drugs circulation in Sierra Leone and thanked partners such as the Office of National Security and NDLEA for their continued support. He further assured the public of TOCU's commitment to upholding the rule of law, combating drug trafficking, and promoting public safety.
A strong message was also delivered by Mr. Sahr M.L Moseray, the Director of Serious Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism on behalf of the National Security Coordinator, Mr. Abdulai Caulker, warning drugs traffickers that the security sector remains relentless and committed to pursuing culprits with full energy and resolve. On behalf of the sector, he expressed appreciation for community support, acknowledging the vital role of collaborative efforts in combating drugs trafficking, and expressed, amongst others, that with unity, the fight against the drugs menace is a winnable fight.
The Director of Operations, NDLEA, on behalf of the Executive Director, NDLEA, delivered the keynote address. He drew the public’s attention to the impressive level of collaboration and coordination among law enforcement agencies. He also cited that the substantial number of convictions recorded over the past couple of months is a testament to the interagency coordination, collaboration and cooperation. He warned drugs traffickers and their allies that Sierra Leone will not be used as safe heaven for the narcotic trade. He pledged the sector’s commitment to the fight against substance abuse in Sierra Leone and urged community stakeholders to continue supporting the police and other law enforcement agencies by the provision of credible and timely information.
The seized narcotic drugs were subsequently transported to the destruction site for incineration, marking another meticulously coordinated exercise in the nation's resolve against narcotics.
In light of this, profound gratitude is extended to the Leadership of the Security Sector for their unwavering commitment and exemplary coordination in facilitating the fourth successful destruction of seized narcotic drugs in 2025.
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