*Sierra Leone Embroiled in Drug Trafficking Crisis*
By: Batilo Nyandamoh Kpaka
Black Johnson Beach, located west of Freetown, has tragically gained notoriety as a hub for drug trafficking. According to local sources, the beach has become a key transit point for illicit drugs, with allegations pointing to the involvement of state officials. This shocking revelation underscores the growing challenges Sierra Leone faces in tackling organized crime and corruption.
_Other reported hotspots for drug activity include:_
*1. Hastings Airfield*
*2. Black Johnson Beach*
*3. Kingtom Police Training School*
*4. Lungi Airport*
The ongoing cocaine trafficking scandal escalated dramatically with the expulsion of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Bangura. Declared persona non grata by the Guinean government, Ambassador Bangura was ordered to leave the country—a move that contradicts the Sierra Leone Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ claim that he was “urgently summoned for consultations.” This discrepancy has raised significant concerns about the transparency of Sierra Leone’s government and its handling of the crisis.
The scandal revolves around prominent businessman Alhaji Bah, a well-connected estate mogul, and his alleged involvement in a high-level trafficking network. Bah’s close associate, Alphajoh Bah, known as “Fresh,” was recently arrested in Guinea. The arrest occurred after authorities intercepted a Sierra Leone Embassy utility vehicle carrying seven suitcases filled with cocaine and $100,000 in cash. The vehicle, operated by the embassy’s driver, has further implicated Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission in this international drug ring.
This incident highlights the systemic failures in Sierra Leone’s governance and law enforcement, raising serious questions about accountability at the highest levels. As the scandal unfolds, it calls for swift and decisive action to restore Sierra Leone’s reputation and address the entrenched networks enabling such criminal activities.
The people of Sierra Leone deserve clarity and justice in the face of this national disgrace. All eyes now turn to the government to ensure that this crisis is not buried under bureaucracy but addressed with the seriousness it demands.
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