AGL Champions Drug-Free Workplaces at World Drug Day

Africa Global Logistics (AGL), through Freedom Terminal Limited, joined forces with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to reinforce the national campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The event brought together officials from government ministries, security agencies, port operators, the private sector and other stakeholders, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing the growing threat posed by illicit drugs to national security, public health and economic development.
Welcoming participants, Abibu Jalloh thanked representatives from the various institutions for honoring the occasion, noting that the fight against drug abuse requires the collective commitment of every sector of society.
Speaking on behalf of Freedom Terminal Limited, Patrick Sannoh reaffirmed AGL’s commitment to maintaining a safe and drug-free working environment, stressing that safety remains the foundation of the company’s operations.
He explained that the company operates under a strict Zero Tolerance Drug Policy that prohibits the possession, use, sale, distribution or trafficking of illegal drugs within company premises or while conducting official duties.
“As a logistics company operating within a safety critical environment, every employee must remain alert, responsible and free from the influence of illegal drugs. Safety is not simply a priority it is the foundation of everything we do,” he said.
Sannoh noted that ports and logistics facilities remain attractive targets for organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, making vigilance an essential responsibility for every employee and stakeholder.
He encouraged workers to report suspicious cargo movements, unusual behaviour, unauthorised access and any breach of security procedures through established reporting channels.
According to him, prevention begins with awareness, adding that informed employees are better equipped to protect both their workplace and the wider community.
He also urged colleagues to support individuals struggling with substance abuse by encouraging them to seek professional help, emphasizing that rehabilitation and compassion are equally important components of addressing the drug problem.
Delivering the company’s keynote remarks, AGL Country Manager Captain Fabjanko Kokan described drug trafficking as a threat that continues to destroy families, weaken communities and undermine national development.
He said organised criminal networks profit at the expense of vulnerable people while leaving lasting social and economic consequences.
“Drug trafficking destroys lives. It tears families apart, fuels crime and corruption, and robs young people of their future,” Captain Kokan stated.
He stressed that education remains one of the most effective long-term investments in preventing drug abuse, explaining that empowered and educated young people are less vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
Captain Kokan called on all stakeholders within the maritime and logistics sector to remain vigilant, noting that ports are strategic gateways for international trade but are also potential entry points for illicit drugs.
He emphasized that success in combating trafficking depends on cooperation among terminal operators, security agencies, regulators and every institution operating within the port community.
Representing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Director of Drug Prevention, Education and Training delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Director General, highlighting the agency’s comprehensive national strategy for addressing the evolving global drug problem.
Referring to this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Past Challenges, New Threats, and Innovative Responses,” he said organised criminal groups continue to exploit technology, weak institutions and international trade routes to expand illicit drug trafficking across borders.
He explained that the Agency’s response is anchored on four strategic pillars: prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement and partnership.
According to him, prevention must begin within families, where parents and guardians play the most important role in shaping the values and behaviour of young people.
He called on parents to provide guidance, supervision and positive role models that discourage substance abuse and promote responsible citizenship.
The NDLEA representative further appealed for compassion toward individuals battling substance use disorders while maintaining uncompromising enforcement against traffickers, manufacturers, financiers and organised criminal syndicates.
“People suffering from addiction deserve treatment, rehabilitation and support, but there must be zero tolerance for those who profit from destroying lives through drug trafficking,” he stressed.
He disclosed that government rehabilitation programmes continue to support individuals recovering from addiction through treatment, vocational training and community reintegration initiatives, while encouraging communities to reject stigma and discrimination against recovering drug users.
On enforcement, he reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to intelligence-led operations, strengthened border security and closer collaboration with national and international partners.
He also highlighted the Agency’s practice of publicly destroying confiscated narcotics in the presence of the media, religious organisations and civil society groups to promote transparency and public confidence.
Providing an update on enforcement achievements, he revealed that between January and April 2026, the NDLEA secured more than 48 convictions in drug-related cases, describing the results as evidence of the Agency’s determination to disrupt organised drug trafficking networks.
Throughout the event, speakers repeatedly emphasized that neither government nor the private sector can combat drug abuse alone.
Instead, they called for stronger collaboration between institutions such as AGL, the NDLEA, law enforcement agencies, employers, schools, communities and families to strengthen prevention, improve intelligence sharing and protect young people from the devastating consequences of illicit drugs.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by AGL and the NDLEA to continue working together to promote drug-free workplaces, strengthen security across Sierra Leone’s ports and logistics sector, and support national efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse and dismantling illicit trafficking networks.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Ajuah Daramy, who commended participants for their active engagement and encouraged all stakeholders to translate the day’s discussions into sustained action in support of a safer, healthier and drug free Sierra Leone.