Mystery Surrounds Alleged Cocaine Seizure at Portee Wharf as Questions Emerge Over Missing Cartons
By Voice of Salone Investigations Desk
Serious questions are being raised over the handling of a major suspected cocaine seizure at Portee Wharf in Freetown following allegations that a significant quantity of the narcotic substance may have gone unaccounted for after being intercepted by police officers attached to the Kissy Police Division.
Information obtained by Voice of Salone Newspaper indicates that in April 2026, a fishing vessel identified as Shainkay Stars reportedly discovered 22 cartons of suspected cocaine floating at sea. According to sources familiar with the incident, the cartons were subsequently loaded onto the fishing boat before it returned to shore and docked at Portee Wharf.
Our investigations reveal that shortly after the vessel arrived at the wharf, officers from the Kissy Police Division allegedly acted on intelligence and moved swiftly to the scene, where they reportedly took possession of the suspected narcotics.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the operation attracted significant public attention and briefly caused tension within the community.
“When the police arrived, they discharged teargas to control the situation and secure the area. There was panic among residents and people around the wharf as officers moved in to take custody of the drugs,” a source alleged.
The source further claimed that while the suspected cocaine was being transported from Portee Wharf to the Kissy Police Station, one of the cartons reportedly burst open, causing some of its contents to spill.
“People who witnessed the operation said some of the substance was scattered after one of the cartons opened during transportation. However, the issue that has generated concern is that although 22 cartons were allegedly removed from the scene, only 15 cartons were reportedly recorded at the police station,” the source stated.
If verified, the discrepancy would raise serious concerns regarding accountability and the chain of custody of the seized substances.
Multiple community stakeholders at Portee Wharf independently confirmed to Voice of Salone that a suspected drug seizure involving a fishing boat took place during the month of April at approximately 11:00 a.m. They recalled seeing police officers respond to the area and remove what was believed to be a substantial quantity of illicit drugs.
Several residents, however, expressed concern over the lack of public information surrounding the outcome of the operation and whether the alleged seizure was officially documented by the relevant authorities.
Sources further alleged that operational support units attached to the Kissy Police Division participated in the exercise, though Voice of Salone has not independently verified the specific officers involved.
The allegations come at a time when Sierra Leone continues to strengthen efforts to combat transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and the illicit narcotics trade, which remains a major challenge across the West African sub-region.
Given the seriousness of the claims, Voice of Salone Newspaper sought clarification from the Sierra Leone Police. A formal request for comment was directed to the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kissy Police Division and other relevant authorities.
However, as of press time, no official response had been received.
This newspaper remains committed to the principles of fair, balanced, and responsible journalism and will provide updates as soon as the Sierra Leone Police or any other competent authority responds to the allegations.
The reported discrepancy between the number of cartons allegedly seized and those reportedly recorded has fueled calls for a transparent investigation to establish the facts, determine accountability, and reassure the public that proper procedures were followed in handling the suspected narcotics.
