Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), has raised serious concerns over allegations linking top government officials to international drug trafficking. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the APC warned that these claims could damage the country’s reputation, security, and future.
APC’s press release dated January 29, 2025, highlighted reports that a vehicle belonging to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea was found with illegal drugs. The party also pointed to allegations that convicted European drug trafficker Jos Bolle is being harbored by government officials and has ties to the presidency.
The APC says these incidents cast doubt on the government’s commitment to fighting drug-related crimes and raise questions about whether state resources are being misused to facilitate trafficking instead of stopping it.
APC further mentioned that they are troubled by several unresolved cases, including but not limited to a mysterious container from Brazil suspected of carrying drugs, an unidentified aircraft that landed at Lungi International Airport under suspicious circumstances, cocaine disguised as garri intercepted in the UK, allegedly originating from Sierra Leone and more.
In a bid to restore public confidence and uphold national integrity, the APC calls for a transparent and impartial inquiry into all drug trafficking allegations involving government officials. To ensure credibility, the APC urges the involvement of international bodies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and ECOWAS.
APC also stated in their press release that anyone found complicit, regardless of status, must face legal action and that those named in recent reports should be prosecuted without political interference.
The party further called on the government to update the public on investigations into past drug-related incidents, including the Guinea interception, the Lungi Airport case, and the Brazilian container.
APC also demanded that Individuals with credible information on drug operations must be legally protected to encourage more disclosures and the government must enhance security at ports of entry with modern surveillance technology to prevent Sierra Leone from becoming a hub for drug trafficking.
However, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has stated that the government has not received any formal or informal request from the Dutch government or any other country regarding Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers.
Speaking at a government press briefing, Minister Bah emphasized that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has ordered a thorough investigation to verify the identity of the individual and determine any potential illegal activities within Sierra Leone.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that Sierra Leone is open to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol and the Dutch government, to address any concerns related to the case.
