On March 13th, 2024, the Executive Director of the Citizen’s Right Network Sierra Leone (CRN-SL), Bai Koroma, expressed profound concern over the disappearance of 19 cartons of Tramadol drugs at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown. The revelation came to light after CRN-SL initiated an inquiry into the matter.

According to reports from the Standard Times Newspaper, Bai Koroma revealed that upon contacting Umaru Maddieu Kanneh, the Supervisor of the Customs Department at Water Quay, it was discovered that Kanneh had previously halted the container’s movement based on received intelligence. Subsequently, Kanneh promptly alerted various security institutions, including TOCU, ONS, Pharmacy Board, NDLEA, the Police, and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority, to conduct an immediate examination of the container.

During the inspection, authorities uncovered not only the missing Tramadol cartons but also other pharmaceutical items. Specifically, 35 cartons of Pregabalin 75 milligram, 67 cartons of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride Capsules 225 milligram, and 229 cartons of Really Extra Tablet Diclofenac were found and documented. These items were then securely stored pending further examination and decisions.

The subsequent placement of NRA/Customs seals on the storage facility, with stakeholders meticulously documenting the seal numbers (01581 and 01582), aimed to preserve the integrity of the evidence.

Further investigations spearheaded by CRN-SL revealed that Joseph Stevens from the Sierra Leone Police – TOCU Forensic Unit and Madam Hannah Masuba from the Sierra Leone Pharmacy Board had procured samples of the drugs for forensic analysis.

However, a significant development occurred when Umaru Maddieu Kanneh, who was on casual leave in Turkey on February 17th, 2024, received a report indicating the disappearance of 19 cartons of Tramadol during their transfer from the warehouse to vehicles assigned by TOCU.

In response to these developments, CRN-SL has called upon authorities to intensify efforts to trace the consignee and undertake a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Emphasizing the urgency of identifying the actual owner of the container and holding them accountable, CRN-SL underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for swift action to address the matter.