Kambia District, July 28, 2025 — Customs officers with the National Revenue Authority (NRA) have intercepted a large quantity of suspected tramadol in what authorities are describing as a major drug trafficking attempt at the Gbalamuya border crossing with Guinea.
The seizure was led by Assistant Commissioner for Border Controls and Management, John B. Amara, and coordinated by Edward Jusu, Manager of the Gbalamuya Customs Post. Acting on intelligence, NRA personnel, working in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and the Office of National Security (ONS) stopped a Guinean-registered vehicle (BC 1785) believed to be transporting illegal substances into Sierra Leone.
Inside the vehicle, officials found a supply of suspected tapentadol tablets, a synthetic opioid closely related to tramadol. The haul included 79 gross packs, 9 smaller packets, and 9 individual cards of 225mg tablets, amounting to what experts say is a significant quantity with serious potential for abuse and illicit resale.
The driver, identified as Mohamed Jalloh, reportedly told officials the vehicle was bound for Freetown. In addition to the suspected drugs, customs officers also found 135 Android mobile phones, including multiple units of Samsung Galaxy A06, A36, A56, and A26 models, which are considered dutiable under customs law.
Both the narcotics and electronic items were handed over to Chief Superintendent of Police Bob M.N. Mansaray, Local Unit Commander of the Kambia Division, who will oversee further investigation. Authorities say the mobile phones will be returned to customs for proper declaration and duty payment, in line with legal procedures.
Tramadol and its derivatives, including tapentadol, have increasingly become a public health concern in Sierra Leone. Often misused as a recreational drug, tramadol is known for its addictive potential and links to mental health disorders and violent behavior among young users.
