By Saffa B. Moriba, reporting from Kenema District
Kenema, SIERRA LEONE – In what has been described as the largest drug seizure in the Southern and Eastern regions so far this year, the Sierra Leone Police have intercepted nearly 200 parcels of suspected cannabis during a joint operation between the Bo and Kenema police divisions.
The operation, which involved coordinated efforts between officers in both regions, resulted in the confiscation of 52 large bundles and 133 compressed parcels of dried leaves believed to be Cannabis Sativa. The bust followed a dramatic pursuit that began at the Fallah checkpoint in Bo.
According to Chief Superintendent Joseph Honor Kamara, Local Unit Commander of the Bo West Division, the incident unfolded when a suspicious vehicle—a Toyota Nissan Familiar with registration number ATR 223—forcefully bypassed the checkpoint without submitting to inspection. The officers on duty, led by Sergeant Bandara, immediately launched a hot pursuit.
The fleeing vehicle was later abandoned in the bush near Wanjama Village in Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District. The suspects managed to escape on foot and are currently at large.
In collaboration with CSP Alphonsus Fambulleh, Local Unit Commander in Kenema, the vehicle and its contents were transported to the Regional Police Headquarters in Kenema. There, media personnel and other stakeholders witnessed a thorough search and documentation of the recovered items.
While the street value of the haul is yet to be determined, authorities estimate it could amount to thousands of U.S. dollars and several million in New Leones.
“This is the biggest drug interception in the region since the start of 2025,” CSP Kamara stated. “We are urging members of the public to continue supporting the police by sharing credible information that helps keep our communities safe.”
The seized items have since been dispatched to Freetown for further investigation. SM/18/6/2025
