By Ragan M. Conteh

The All People’s Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern  and outrage over the alarming report implicating high ranking government officials and individuals closely associated with the current administration in an intricate web of international drug trafficking.

According to the APC, these revelations have far-reaching implications for the integrity, security, and reputation of Sierra Leone.

The release stated that, the recent reports detailing the apprehension of a vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea, found with illicit drugs by Guinean authorities and the troubling association of convicted European drug trafficker Jos Bolle with top government officials, including the First Family, have brought our nation into disrepute.

These allegations, the APC said, if left unchecked, could undermine Sierra Leone’s standing in the international community, deter foreign investment, and jeopardize the future of our youth, who are already grappling with the devastating consequences of drug abuse.

The APC stated that, the APC is particularly disturbed by the following unresolved incidents, adding that the mysterious container from Brazil suspected of containing narcotics, the unidentified aircraft that landed at Lungi International Airport under suspicious circumstances and the discovery of cocaine disguised as garri intecerpted in the United Kingdom, allegedly originating from Sierra Leone.

The other trending issue is the alleged harbouring of convicted drug baron Jos Holle, who reportedly enjoys the protection of key government officials and allegedly has ties to the presidency.

The APC release also highlighted that these incidents not only cost a dark shadow over the government’s commitment to fighting drug related crimes but also raise critical questions about whether state resources and institutions are being used to facilitate rather than combat, international drug trafficking.

Therefore, the APC demand that in light of these damning allegations, the APC calls for the following immediate actions to restore public confidence and uphold national integrity.

They also demand an impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation into all reported drug trafficking activities involving government officials. “This must be conducted by an independent commission, with the involvement of international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and ECOWAS, to ensure credibility and accountability.

The party says, any individual, regardless of their status, found complicit in drug-related crimes must face the full force of the law which  includes the imprisonment of all those named in the recent reports, without fear no favor.

They asserted that, the government must provide full disclosure to the public  regarding the status of investigations into  previously reported cases, including the intercepted drugs in Guinea, the Lungi Airport incident, and the Brazilian container. Sierra Leoneans deserve transparency.

They also demanded that individuals who come forward with credible information related to drug trafficking operations must be guaranteed protection under the law to encourage further exposure of these criminal networks

The APC further demanded that, given Sierra Leone’s strategic position in the global drug trade route, the government must take immediate steps to enhance border security, inchuding the installation of modern surveillance techonlogies and robust screening procedures at port of entry.

The APC reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of the people of Sierra Leone and ensuring that our nation does not become a haven for drug traffickers and criminals.

“We will continue to hold the government accountable and explore all legal avenues to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. We call on all Sierra Leoneans, civil society organisations, and international partners to be with us in demanding justice, transparency, and a drug free Sierra Leone. The future of our youth and our nation’s reputation are at stake” he said.