By Alhaji Turay
The Manage ent of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has strongly denied recent social media allegations claiming that a “kush-filled container” went missing at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown.
In a statement issued by the Authority, management described the reports as “misleading and unpatriotic,” adding that such false publications are deliberate attempts to tarnish the image and hard-earned reputation of both the institution and the country.
According to investigations conducted by this medium within the SLPHA and the Hastings community, the Director General of the SLPHA, Mr. Yankuba Askia, is widely regarded as a disciplined and proactive leader who maintains strict oversight of port operations. Staff members confirmed that he frequently conducts surprise inspections to ensure accountability and transparency.
Police sources and stakeholders within the maritime sector confirmed that on May 13, 2025, a Combined Maritime Control Unit (CMCU) under the SEACOP Project intercepted a 40ft container (number TCNU 1723946) arriving from Southampton, United Kingdom. The container was found to contain seventeen (17) 50kg bags of kush and ninety-one (91) bottles of precursor chemicals.
During the physical examination, the security-sensitive items were documented by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), while other personal effects in the container were secured separately. The container was later sealed and placed under the custody of the SLPHA for safe keeping pending further action.
Subsequently, TOCU submitted a comprehensive report to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which in turn sought a destruction order from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Following due process, the DPP instructed NDLEA to submit the matter to the TOCU Management Board (TOCU MB) for discussion and scheduling of the destruction exercise.
On July 31, 2025, the confiscated drugs — including those from the said container — were publicly destroyed at the TOCU headquarters in Hastings. The destruction exercise was witnessed by community stakeholders, law enforcement officials, and members of the press. A verification exercise was also conducted to confirm the type and quantity of each drug listed for destruction.
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