By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking and contraband smuggling, officers of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Customs Post at the Gbalamuya Border Crossing in Kambia District successfully intercepted a large quantity of suspected narcotic drugs and undeclared goods on Monday, July 28, 2025, during a coordinated joint security operation.
The proactive enforcement effort was led by Assistant Commissioner for Border Controls and Management, John B. Amara, in collaboration with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the Office of National Security (ONS).
The operation resulted in the seizure of 79 ross, 9 small packets, and 9 cards of Tapentadol tablets (225mg) a highly potent opioid similar to Tramadol, known to be widely abused by young people for non-medical purposes.135 Android smartphones, including 120 pieces of Samsung Galaxy A06 5 pieces each of A36, A56, and A26
The items were discovered in a vehicle bearing Guinean registration number BC 1785, driven by a man identified as Mohamed Jalloh, who admitted that the consignment was en route to Freetown.
According to NRA officials, the seizure followed credible intelligence regarding an impending cross-border trafficking attempt, the vehicle underwent a thorough inspection at the Gbalamuya checkpoint a key transit hub between Sierra Leone and Guinea where the narcotic substances and dutiable electronic goods were uncovered.
Speaking on the interception, Edward Jusu, Manager of the NRA Customs Post at Gbalamuya, stressed the importance of rigorous border enforcement, every consignment must be fully declared and inspected. This is a critical part of our mandate to safeguard national revenue and public safety.
The suspect and seized items were handed over to Chief Superintendent of Police Bob M.N. Mansaray, Local Unit Commander of the Kambia Division, for further investigation. While the illegal drugs are now part of an ongoing criminal probe, the mobile phones being dutiable goods will be returned to Customs for formal declaration and assessment of duties in accordance with Sierra Leone’s trade and tax laws.
Security analysts have hailed the operation as a significant victory in the fight against transnational drug trafficking and economic sabotage. Tapentadol, like Tramadol, poses growing public health concerns across West Africa due to its misuse by youth populations.
This joint operation underscores Sierra Leone’s deepening commitment to robust border surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and regional security collaboration aimed at dismantling organized smuggling networks.
With drug-related crimes posing ongoing threats to public health and economic stability, the NRA and its partners have reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen inspections at all entry points and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday,30th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
