By Emma Black
In a major breakthrough against cross-border drug trafficking, on October 23, 2025, officials of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) customs department stationed at the Gendema Border crossing between Sierra Leone and Liberia have arrested a Guinean woman in possession of 91 parcels of a substance suspected to be cocaine.
The arrest took place on October 23, 2025, following intensified border surveillance led by Mujiru I. I. Kallon, Manager of the Customs Services Department at Gendema and Head of Border Operations for Sierra Leone.
The suspect, identified as Laurancia Kolie, holder of Guinean passport number 005017470, was apprehended at the customs checkpoint after undergoing a series of routine security checks. During a final inspection of her luggage, customs officials discovered a large quantity of the suspected narcotic substance concealed among her personal belongings.
Upon discovery, both the suspect and the confiscated items were immediately handed over to the Mano River Police Division for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with Sierra Leone’s laws on drug control and transnational crime.
The successful interception reflects the NRA Customs Department’s unwavering commitment to combat illicit trade and safeguard Sierra Leone’s borders from the trafficking of drugs and other contraband.
Speaking on the development, border management authorities emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and inter-agency collaboration in tackling the growing threat of international drug smuggling.
They reaffirmed that the NRA Customs Division, in partnership with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, will maintain strict enforcement and surveillance at all ports of entry to ensure national security and protect public health, this latest operation marks another milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing fight against organized crime and reinforces the government’s resolve to secure its borders from illegal activities.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 27 October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
