The Bo West Divisional Operations team, led by Assistant Inspector General of Police Jacob Ganda, made significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking with the arrest of Augustine Mallah, the Regional Chairman of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) party, and his associate, Mohamed Conteh. The arrests, which took place on Friday, May 24, 2024, followed a well-executed operation based on intelligence reports.

Acting on these reports, the operations team conducted a targeted raid that resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of the illegal substance known as Kush. During the raid, 40 wraps of Kush were found in the possession of Augustine Mallah, and an additional 80 wraps were confiscated from Mohamed Conteh. Both individuals are residents of Clock Tower, Bo City.

The apprehension of a high-profile figure such as Augustine Mallah highlights the Sierra Leone Police Force’s commitment to addressing illegal drug activities. This arrest serves as a powerful message that involvement in drug trafficking will lead to significant consequences, regardless of one’s social or political status.

Assistant Inspector General Ganda commended his team for their diligence and precision in carrying out the operation. He emphasized the critical role of community support in the ongoing efforts to combat crime, urging citizens to remain vigilant and to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.

The Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) has now taken over the investigation. Their goal is to trace the source of the drugs and to uncover the distribution network behind the seized substances. Both suspects are expected to provide crucial information that could lead to further arrests and the potential dismantling of a larger drug trafficking ring.

This major drug bust represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of the community. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community is vital in maintaining order and preventing the spread of illegal drugs in the Southern region of Sierra Leone.

The successful operation in Bo City underscores the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in tackling organized crime and drug trafficking. It also reflects the dedication of the Sierra Leone Police Force to uphold the law and protect citizens from the dangers associated with illegal substances.