SLPHA Clarifies Allegations Over Suspected Container Intercepted in Nigeria
By VOS Writer
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has clarified reports suggesting that a container allegedly found with cocaine in Nigeria was linked to Sierra Leone. The Authority emphasizes that it has received no official communication from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) confirming that container GCNU1332851 contained illicit substances.
SLPHA confirms that it has formally requested clarification from the NPA and is awaiting an official response.
In the interim, the shipping company Grimaldi has verified that the container departed the Port of Freetown empty and was discharged at the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) facility in Lagos in the same empty condition.
To uphold transparency and provide the public with accurate information, SLPHA is releasing the verified movement records provided by Grimaldi and the Container Terminal Operator (FTL) at the Port of Freetown:
Container Details and Movement Records (Freetown)
1. The container is a standard 20ft dry container.
2. It was discharged at the Port of Freetown on 13 September 2025 from the vessel Grande Atlantico.
3. It was delivered full to the consignee on 8 October 2025.
4. The container was returned empty to FTL’s terminal on 11 October 2025.
5. On 24 October 2025, the crew of Grande Ghana 0225 inspected, confirmed its empty status, and sealed it prior to loading.
6. The container weighed 2,200 kg at the time of loading—consistent with the standard weight of an empty 20ft container.
7. The loading report was properly signed by the vessel’s Chief Officer, confirming the container was empty.
8. The container departed Freetown empty on 24 October 2025 aboard Grande Ghana 0225, bound for Lagos via Cotonou.
Verified Information from Grimaldi (Nigeria)
1. The vessel berthed in Lagos on 29 October 2025 at 23:38.
2. Offloading operations commenced on 30 October 2025 at 00:40.
3. The container was discharged empty in Lagos on 30 October 2025 at 13:00.
4. Operations on the vessel concluded on 31 October 2025 at 19:00.
5. The container was subsequently flagged on 7 November 2025, eight days after discharge.
SLPHA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparent, accountable, and secure port operations, and assures the public that further updates will be provided once official communication is received from the Nigerian authorities.
