Sierra Leone’s leading opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC), has called for an independent investigation into allegations suggesting government officials’ involvement in international drug trafficking. The APC demands a “fair, thorough, and transparent probe into all reported drug trafficking activities linked to government figures.”
In a press release on January 29, 2025, the APC expressed outrage over reports that a vehicle from Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Guinea was found with illegal drugs, and raised concerns about the alleged connections between convicted European drug trafficker Jos Bolle and high-ranking government officials, including his suspected ties to the presidency.
The APC highlighted several unresolved incidents, including the “suspicious container from Brazil thought to contain narcotics,” “an unidentified aircraft that landed at Lungi International Airport under dubious circumstances,” and “the interception of cocaine disguised as garri in the UK, allegedly linked to Sierra Leone.”
Calling for accountability, the APC stressed that “anyone, regardless of their position, found involved in drug-related crimes should face the full weight of the law.”
The opposition party also emphasized the importance of “whistleblower protection,” urging that individuals with credible information be guaranteed legal protection to encourage further revelations of these illicit networks.
On the issue of transparency, the APC demanded that the government fully disclose the status of investigations into previously reported incidents, including the intercepted drugs in Guinea, the Lungi Airport situation, and the Brazilian container. “Sierra Leoneans deserve transparency,” the APC stated.
The party further urged the government to “strengthen border security by implementing advanced surveillance technologies and enhancing screening processes at ports of entry.”
The APC party called on all Sierra Leoneans, civil society organizations, and international allies to “join us in demanding justice, transparency, and a drug-free Sierra Leone.”