Over 20 Cartoons of Acetones Intercepted at Water Quay …In a 40-Foot Container
Acting on intelligence from the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and other security personnel have intercepted a 40-foot container containing over 20 cartoons of acetones which is an illegal substance used to produce Kush.
The container was opened in the presence of the security personnel, journalists and Civil Society Activists and the seized items were handed over to the police for destruction.
The Program Officer of Civil Society Consortium on service delivery and accountability Alphonso Marly disclosed that it was as a result of the good work of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority that led to interception of the container and seizing of the illegal items.
He said that it was a joint operations comprising of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Customs, Office of National Security (ONS) and State House, noting that it shows seriousness in the fight against illegal drug entry in the country.
He maintained that as a way of displaying transparency, the management of the ports ensure that the operation was carried out by various sectors within the security architecture, civil society and the media, sending a clear message that they have nothing to hide.
He disclosed that during their briefing with the Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority Yankuba Askia Bio, he instructed that they should follow the items to the place of destruction and confirm that it is destroyed.
He also disclosed that the person who went to receive the container is Sarah Kabba and that owner of the container is Marilyn Lavaley residing around Sir Samuel Lewis Road in Freetown and that Nelson Solomon is the broker.
Responding to the interception that was made, the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency who doubles as Head of Security of the Special Unity set up by the president, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai said that disruption of the supply chain is key in the fight against drug supply adding that the move is laudable.
He stated that the public burning and destruction is to ensure transparency so that the public get to see that the seized items are not going back into the market.
He revealed that most of the drugs that are intercepted through Lungi and Water Quay are brought in from Netherland, United Kingdom and China.
He stressed that the fight is a national one and that people should support government in the fight by reporting those who in the business through the 117 number.
