Police Destroys 472 Cartons Of Tramadol And Illicit Drugs

ROGBANGBA JUNCTION, GRAFTON – 10 March 2025 – The Transitional Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) has carried out a public incineration of 472 cartons of tramadol and various other illicit pharmaceutical substances at their headquarters, marking a significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking.

Detective Chief Superintendent of Police (D/CSP) Mohamed Krugba Alieu, known as MK Alieu, confirmed that this event represents the first drug incineration of 2025. He emphasized that the destruction of these substances is essential to prevent their re-entry into society.

“We are here to witness the first burning of illicit drugs and narcotics this year,” stated MK Alieu. He underscored that the dangers posed by narcotics significantly outweigh any perceived economic benefits, reiterating TOCU’s commitment to pursue, apprehend, and prosecute those involved in the drugs trade.

Alieu further urged the community to abstain from both the use and sale of illicit drugs, highlighting the crucial role that public participation plays in addressing drug-related challenges.

Mr. Prince Bull Luseni, the Deputy Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), described the incineration as a pivotal step in combatting narcotics trafficking. He stressed that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility, calling for active involvement from every citizen. The destruction of the drugs followed directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dated 26 February 2025, and an order from the High Court on 3 March 2025, presided over by Justice Momoh Jah Stevens.

The disposed items included:

1. Fifty-two cartons of tramadol, weighing 1,200 kilograms, with an estimated street value of SLL 780,000 (New Leones) (CR/NO. 37/2025).
2. Two brown cartons of tramadol, weighing 102 kilograms, valued at SLL 30,000 (New Leones) (CR/NO. 37/2025).
3. Thirty-two cartons of assorted pharmaceutical drugs (CR/NO. 378/2024).
4. Two hundred and fifty vials of Afterment Injection, estimated at SLL 1,360,000 (New Leones) (CR/NO. 438/2024).
5. Two hundred and thirty-six gross of tramadol, valued at SLL 2,360,000 (New Leones) (CR/NO. 447/2024).
6. Precursor chemical exhibits connected to the Allen Town Factory case, which were retained for safety reasons and are under TOCU custody pending a management decision (CR/NO. 482/2024).
7. Exhibits submitted to Court No. 2, Pademba Road, Freetown, which included thirty-three packets of tramadol and cash totalling SLL 83,013 (New Leones), which also were not destroyed (CR/NO. 502/2024).

This incineration serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the illicit drug trade and underscores the importance of continued law enforcement efforts to protect public health and safety.

SLP Media Team