Government Yet to Confirm Seizure of Kush Manufacturing Site in Fourah Bay
In June 2025, a major operation led by the Transnational Organized Crimes Unit uncovered what authorities believe to be a kush manufacturing site in the East End of Freetown.
During the operation, law enforcement officers intercepted narcotic substances, chemicals, gas masks, and digital scales at a four-storey building on Taylor Street in Fourah Bay.
The raid was spearheaded by Chief Superintendent of Police M.K. Alieu, acting on intelligence provided by the Regional Commander for Freetown West, AIG Sylvester M.N. Koroma.
According to police sources, the intelligence suggested that the building was being used for the production of kush and other harmful narcotic substances.Although the building was unoccupied at the time of the raid, community stakeholders were invited to witness the operation, but none could provide information regarding the identity of the building’s occupants.Following the discovery, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, and officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) inspected the premises. Minister Lengor emphasized that the state remains vigilant in its fight against drug-related crimes and confirmed that the NDLEA had issued a formal seizure notice in accordance with Regulation 10 of the National Drug Control Act (Arrest and Seizure), 2021.
He further noted that investigations were ongoing and that the building might be subject to forfeiture to the state upon conclusion of the probe.
However, since the June operation, no further updates have been provided by the NDLEA regarding the status of the property. In light of this silence, this newspaper submitted a series of questions to the Executive Director of the NDLEA, Andrew Kaikai seeking clarification on whether the government has officially seized the suspected kush manufacturing site.
Despite acknowledging receipt of the inquiries, the NDLEA has yet to respond as of the time of going to press.
This continued silence from authorities mandated to combat drug-related crimes has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling the rising kush epidemic and enforcing the country’s drug control laws.
