In a tragic incident that highlights the ongoing battle against illegal drug use in Sierra Leone, a suspect identified as Ozonbay Chower, was found dead after allegedly swallowing 100 wraps of kush. The news was confirmed by Francis Brima Meinday, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Regional Commander for Freetown East, during a press briefing at the police headquarters on George Street in Freetown.
On the morning of June 12, 2024, officers from the Harbour Division intercepted Chower, who was found in possession of the kush along with 25 wraps of marijuana and a sachet of a substance suspected to be kush. Upon his arrest, Chower reportedly swallowed the 100 wraps of kush in an attempt to evade capture. He was immediately rushed to Kingtom Hospital for medical attention but sadly passed away shortly after arrival.
“This incident underscores the severe consequences of drug abuse in our country,” Meinday stated. “We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat kush and other substances. The Sierra Leone Police are committed to mounting raids in known hotspots and apprehending those involved in drug transactions.”
Assistant Commissioner Meinday assured the public that the region is currently stable, with citizens carrying on with their daily activities. He called on the community to provide intelligence regarding individuals and locations involved in illegal drug activities.
In a related update, Mohamed Kugba Allieu, Head of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), reported an ongoing investigation involving a woman named Fatmata Jalloh from Devilhole in Freetown. Jalloh was arrested for alleged money laundering after police discovered 84 counterfeit $100 notes. The notes have been submitted to the Bank of Sierra Leone for further examination, and if found to be counterfeit, Jalloh will face legal action.
Allieu also highlighted a recent drug seizure, revealing that on May 30, 2024, a container at the Queen Elizabeth II Query was searched, resulting in the recovery of 70 cartons of suspected Tramadol, which are now in police custody.
In further discussions, Abdul Moigueh, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Freetown-West, noted that the region is experiencing relative peace, but urged citizens to remain vigilant amid rumors of potential unlawful protests. He reassured the public that the Sierra Leone Police are implementing security measures to maintain order.
Regional Commander for North-West, Manfred Williams, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the ongoing drug-related fatalities in Kambia District, where five individuals recently died due to drug consumption. He confirmed that investigations are underway in Kambia and Port Loko to address these incidents.
Brima Kanneh, Assistant Inspector General of Police for the Southern Region, reported that operations at various border crossings have intensified to prevent unlawful activities, emphasizing that drug-related cases have been prioritized in the courts this year. A total of 288 drug-related cases have been filed, with the majority originating from Moyamba District, which recorded 107 cases.
Andrew Kamara, Commissioner for the Eastern Region, affirmed the ongoing commitment to mounting security checkpoints and intensifying efforts against kush trafficking. Meanwhile, Sergeant John Abbas Kamara, representing the North-East region, noted collaborative efforts between the Sierra Leone Police and the Army to ensure community safety.
As authorities continue to combat drug-related crime, the tragic death of Ozonbay Chower serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal drug use and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address substance abuse in Sierra Leone.