Africa-Press. The government of Sierra Leone is facing increasing pressure after Spanish authorities seized the largest cocaine shipment in the history of the Canary Islands from a vessel coming from the port of Freetown, amid accusations of silence and lack of transparency regarding the case.
According to Spanish police, the cargo ship “Arkonian” was intercepted off the coast of Western Sahara after leaving the port of Freetown, where approximately 30 tons of cocaine were found on board, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the region.
During a press conference, journalists repeatedly questioned Sierra Leonean authorities about the case, but the head of the National Drug Control Unit, Ansumanah Koneh, avoided discussing the details of the seized shipment, preferring to focus on the crisis of synthetic “kush” drug use within the country.
Koneh stated that drug use among youth in Sierra Leone has increased by over 4000%, noting that the substance “nitazine” currently used in the production of “kush” is fifty times stronger than fentanyl, making this drug one of the most dangerous in terms of addiction and impact on youth.
In response, opposition leader Abdul Kargbo intensified his criticism of the government, arguing that authorities are ignoring international accusations related to drug trafficking through the country.
In a message to President Julius Mada Bio, he warned that continued official silence could cement Sierra Leone’s image as a country associated with drug trade on an international level.
Kargbo stated that the government has not shown any proactive measures to contain the fallout from the case, emphasizing that the lack of clear responses from authorities could harm the country’s image and international reputation.
For its part, Sierra Leonean authorities confirmed that they are treating the case “with utmost seriousness,” but refrained from conducting interviews or providing additional details while investigations are ongoing.
