November 5, 2025: The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have intensified its nationwide crackdown on narcotic drugs, resulting in the arrest of over 130 suspects within the past week, including five police officers implicated in drug-related offenses.
During the SLP’s weekly press briefing held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) John Matine Senesie, Director of Operations, outlined the scope and impact of recent operations targeting the possession, sale, and consumption of illicit substances.
Major Arrests and Seizures
Among the most significant arrests were:
- Mariama Bangura and Alfred Kanu (Brookfields) – 707 wraps of suspected Kush
- Abdul Rahman Conteh (Ferry Junction) – 560 wraps of suspected Kush
- Hassanatu Samai (Allen Town) – 434 wraps of suspected Kush
- Bai Mansaray (Cline Town) – 347 wraps of suspected Kush
- Police Constables Thomas Anthony Momoh and Abu Harding (Juba Hills) – loose quantities of Kush in six polythene bags (charged to court)
- Kadiatu Kondeh and Mariama Stella Koroma (Aberdeen) – 239 wraps of Cannabis Sativa and 509 wraps of Kush
- Sergeant Musa Sidikie Swaray (Mile 91 Police Barracks) – 284 wraps and 15 sachets of suspected Kush
Additional arrests included:
- Aron Brainard – 541 wraps of Kush
- Ibrahim Conteh – 539 wraps of Kush
- Mohamed Sesay – 100 wraps of Kush
- Hassanatu Sesay – 225 wraps and loose quantities of Kush
- Isatu Kamara and Kadiatu Kamara – 172 wraps of Kush
- Alhaji Bundu – 8 boxes of Tramadol
- Samuel Koroma – 131 wraps of Kush
Police Officers Implicated
Five police officers have been arrested in connection with the crackdown:
- Sergeant Charles Harding
- Constable Sulaiman Aziz Turay
- Constable Allieu Bangura
- Constable Anthony Momoh
- Constable Abu Harding
AIG Senesie emphasized the SLP’s zero-tolerance stance: “There are no sacred cows in this fight. Those found culpable—regardless of status or position—will face the full force of the law.”
Regional Arrest Breakdown
- Freetown West: 10 suspects
- Freetown East: 30 suspects
- North-East Region: 22 suspects
- Southern Region: 26 suspects
- Eastern Region: 48 suspects
All suspects are currently under investigation, with forensic analysis and legal advice pending in several cases.
Call for Public Support
AIG Senesie reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and safeguarding communities. He urged citizens to continue sharing credible information, stating, “The fight against the deadly menace of drugs requires collective effort from all citizens.”
The SLP’s aggressive enforcement strategy signals a renewed push to combat narcotics and restore public safety across Sierra Leone