Five Police Officers Suspended Over Portee Wharf Cocaine Seizure … Why Is CDIID Delaying Its Report?

By Voice of Salone Investigative Desk

Questions are mounting over the prolonged silence of the CDIID regarding its investigation into the controversial seizure of suspected cocaine at Portee Wharf, after information emerged that five police officers were reportedly suspended and treated as persons of interest in connection with the operation.

The investigation was reportedly launched following a publication by Voice of Salone Newspaper exposing the alleged seizure of 22 boxes of suspected cocaine at Portee Wharf. The publication triggered public concern and prompted the police authorities to commence an internal investigation into what happened during and after the seizure.

According to information obtained by Voice of Salone at the initial stage of the investigation, three police officers were suspended. were identified as Superintendent Peeler, Operations Officer at Kissy Police Division; Inspector Coolie; and Constable Amara.

Further information subsequently indicated that two additional police officers — Inspector Kargbo and another officer whose identity has not been disclosed — were also suspended as part of the investigation.

The development raises a fundamental question: If five police officers were considered persons of interest and suspended in connection with the incident, why has the investigation still not produced a publicly known conclusion?

Even more disturbing are allegations reaching the Voice of Salone newsroom that some officers who allegedly provided information to investigators or testified before CDIID are now facing what sources describe as a “witch-hunt.”

Sources familiar with the matter allege that individuals believed to have benefited from the cocaine seizure or its aftermath may be using their influence to target officers who cooperated with the investigation and allegedly told investigators what they knew about the operation.

These claims, however, remain allegations and have not been independently established.

If true, the alleged retaliation would raise serious concerns about the integrity and independence of the investigation. It would also create the impression that officers who assist an internal investigation could themselves become targets for doing so.

Voice of Salone has also received information that two military officers who were reportedly part of the security operation that led to the seizure at Portee Wharf lodged a complaint with the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) concerning events that allegedly unfolded at the scene on the day of the operation.

The reported complaint adds another layer to an already controversial case and raises questions about what exactly transpired at Portee Wharf following the discovery and seizure of the suspected narcotics.

What did the military officers witness?

Why did they feel compelled to lodge a complaint?

And what, if anything, has happened to that complaint?

These are questions that the relevant authorities should answer in the interest of transparency and public confidence.

The most pressing issue now is the apparent delay in concluding and releasing the findings of the investigation.

If five police officers were suspended as persons of interest, and if witnesses — including members of the security forces — have reportedly provided information about what happened, the public has a legitimate interest in knowing whether the investigation has established any wrongdoing.

Was the investigation concluded?

If not, what is causing the delay?

Have all the officers been cleared or are they still under investigation?

Were disciplinary recommendations made?

Was the matter referred for criminal prosecution?

What happened to the suspected cocaine after it was seized?

And, critically, was the quantity initially seized properly accounted for from the moment of interception to the point of custody?

These questions become even more important given the seriousness of allegations surrounding the handling of the seized consignment.

The Portee Wharf cocaine case is no longer simply about the seizure of suspected narcotics. It has evolved into a broader question of police accountability, chain of custody, internal investigations and institutional transparency.

The public deserves to know what happened.

If the suspended officers are innocent, they deserve to be cleared.

If wrongdoing occurred, those responsible must face the consequences, regardless of rank or position.

And if investigators have uncovered evidence of misconduct, the findings should not remain buried indefinitely.

The longer CDIID remains silent, the more room there is for speculation that the investigation is being deliberately delayed or influenced.

Voice of Salone therefore calls on the police authorities and CDIID to clarify the status of the investigation and make its findings known, subject to the protection of ongoing proceedings and due process.

The central question remains:

Five police officers reportedly suspended. Military officers allegedly complain. Officers who testified reportedly facing a “witch-hunt.” So, where is the CDIID investigative report?

The public is waiting for answers.