President Bio Calls for Public Vigilance to Combat Drug Trafficking and Transnational Crime
During a town hall meeting in Makeni, President Julius Maada Bio called on all Sierra Leoneans to remain vigilant in the fight against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
He noted that law enforcement agencies alone cannot be everywhere, stressing the need for citizens to support national efforts to curb illegal activities. “Be vigilant, as my police officers cannot be everywhere to rid the country of drugs and transnational organized crime,” he said.
The President cautioned against labeling Sierra Leone as a “narcotics state,” while acknowledging the country’s vulnerability to drug trafficking networks due to its geographic and strategic position.
He compared the current situation to historical periods when Sierra Leone was used as a hub during the transatlantic slave trade, emphasizing the importance of preventing the country from being exploited by criminal networks.
President Bio further stated that Sierra Leone currently faces limitations in equipment and capacity to fully combat transnational organized crime, but assured that government continues to strengthen cooperation with international partners to address the challenge.
He added that a comprehensive report outlining measures being implemented to tackle drug trafficking across maritime and air borders will be published in due course.
