APC Calls for Swift InvestigationandTransparency Regarding DrugTrafficking Allegations Involving High-Ranking Government Officials.

Sierra Leone has been in the spotlight for drug-trafficking allegations involving government officials lately.

Recently, it was reported that the Guinean authorities impounded a vehicle belonging to Sierra Leone’s embassy in Guinea on suspicion of illegal drug possession. 

Likewise, it was also reported that the Netherlands’ most wanted drug convict, Jos Leijdekkers, was spotted in a video during a mass event with high-ranking governmental officials.

In light of all of these, the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress party (APC), with the mandate of holding the government accountable, has issued a press release demanding the government of Sierra Leone to initiate an investigation into the various allegations linking governmental officials to drug trafficking.

APC DEMANDS iNVESTIGATION INTO UNRESOLVED RELATED ACCUSATIONS

The main opposition party demands that the government should investigate the unresolved incidents of drug-related accusations, which include:

•  Mysterious container from Brazil suspected of containing narcotics
• The unscheduled aircraft landed at the Lungi International Airport.
• Discovery of cocaine disguised as garri intercepted in the United Kingdom, allegedly originating from Sierra Leone and
• The alleged harboring of convicted drug lord Jos ‘Bolle’ Leijdekkers, who reportedly enjoys the protection of key government officials and allegedly has ties to the presidency.

In order to carry out the investigation, the party request for an impartial and transparent investigation into all the drug trafficking related allegations. They demand the investigation must be conducted by independent commission involving international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and ECOWAS, to ensure credibility and accountability.

To ensure transparency in the process, the party also demands for public disclosure into the status of the investigation.

Furthermore, APC also demands that any individual, of any class,  found guilty for drug-related crimes must  be prosecuted in accordance to the law.

Additionally, APC also request for the protection of any individual bringing resourceful information or evidence relating to drug-trafficking.

Finally, the main opposition party also demands for the implementation of radical measures with modern technologies to strengthen border security.

The Party fears that these allegations will affect Sierra Leone’s image in the international community and may deter future international investment, which will affect the country greatly.