By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Friday, March 6, 2026, destroyed narcotic drugs valued at over NLe 1.6 million at the headquarters of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) in Hastings, Freetown.
The exercise formed part of efforts to strengthen transparency and reinforce the country’s fight against drug trafficking and related crimes.
Head of TOCU, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rev. Michael Laggah, welcomed representatives from various security institutions and described the event as a significant step in the country’s collective efforts to tackle the growing menace of narcotics.
He explained that the destruction of the drugs was not merely a routine procedure but a clear message that Sierra Leone will not serve as a safe haven for drug trafficking and other transnational organised crimes.
CSP Laggah further noted that the exercise demonstrates the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police and its partners to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He added that the public destruction of the exhibits reassures citizens that seized narcotics are properly handled and disposed of after due legal processes.
Delivering the keynote address, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Brima Kamara Esq., who represented the Director of Crime Services, said the exercise responds to frequent public concerns about the fate of narcotic drugs seized during police operations.
He stated that the destruction followed proper legal procedures and authorisation, noting that narcotic substances valued at NLe 1,680,318 were scheduled to be destroyed during the exercise.
ACP Kamara emphasised that the role of the police within the criminal justice system is clearly defined, including the prevention and detection of crime, the investigation of offences, the charging of suspects, and prosecution in collaboration with other justice sector institutions.
He also called on members of the public to support the police and the wider security sector by providing credible information that could assist in combating drug-related crimes.
Representatives from key security and regulatory institutions, including the Office of National Security (ONS), the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), also made contributions during the event.
The exercise concluded with the symbolic burning of the seized narcotic exhibits in the presence of security stakeholders and members of the media.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
