Jendema, Sierra Leone – In a significant breakthrough, border security agencies at the Jendema Border Crossing between Sierra Leone and Liberia have arrested two local residents, Alpha Jalloh and Mohamed Jalloh, with a large quantity of Tapentadol tablets. The suspects were detained on 16 November 2025, after attempting to evade capture at a joint checkpoint operated by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The authorities seized 24 boxes and 8 cards containing a total of 2,480 Tapentadol tablets (250 mg each), a controlled substance. The suspects and the confiscated drugs were handed over to the Mano River Police Division and NDLEA for further investigation.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of border agencies to combat illegal drug trafficking and maintain border integrity. However, the alarming rate of drug use in Sierra Leone, particularly among young people, poses a significant threat to the country’s development.
The detrimental effects of drug abuse are far-reaching, contributing to increased school dropout rates due to drug addiction, rising cases of mental health issues and psychosis, and a weakened economy due to decreased productivity and economic instability. The loss of skilled workforce and human capital causing inadequate labour force, and poor health outcomes further exacerbate the problem, hindering national growth and development.
The arrest of the suspected drug traffickers is a step in the right direction. However, a collective effort is required to dismantle the drug cartels and disrupt their networks. This includes strengthening border security to enhance surveillance and inspection capabilities, educating communities about the dangers of drug abuse, supporting rehabilitation by providing treatment and rehabilitation services for addicts, and increasing regional cooperation by collaborating with neighbouring countries to combat transnational drug trafficking.
The National Revenue Authority and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to combat drug trafficking and promote a drug-free society. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities and support the authorities in this fight.
The Public Affairs and Tax Education unit can always be reached on +232-77-839-839 or info@nra.gov.sl for any information.
