Police in Freetown have torn down a notorious hideout known as “River Side,” a site long linked to drug use and petty crime in the Old School community. The operation, led by the Mountain Division Police, was carried out on Wednesday following weeks of intelligence gathering that pointed to the area as a hotspot for criminal activity.
According the police, a number of makeshift structures were destroyed during the exercise because they were being utilised as illicit drug facilities.
Police say the operation was conducted with support from community leaders, ensuring the process was orderly and respectful to residents.
Community members have since praised the move, calling it a “much-needed intervention.” Many residents say the “River Side” area had become unsafe, especially for children and women who feared walking through it.
“We’re happy the police have finally acted,” said one resident. “That place had become a hideout for criminals. Now, we can breathe easier and our children can move around freely again.”
The Mountain Division Command emphasized that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to reclaim neighborhoods from criminal elements and strengthen the fight against drug abuse.
“We remain committed to keeping our communities safe,” a police spokesperson said. “Our officers will continue to conduct patrols and intelligence-led operations to prevent these criminal hideouts from resurfacing.”
The police further noted that this action supports the national campaign against harmful drugs like Kush and Tramadol, which have devastated many young lives across Sierra Leone.
“This is not just about law enforcement, it’s about protecting our youth and rebuilding trust within our communities,” the spokesperson added.
The dismantling of the “River Side” den marks another significant step in the ongoing national effort to curb drug use and restore public safety in Freetown’s most affected areas.
