Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. As the festive season approaches and many Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora prepare to return home, a timely advisory has been issued by Maada Musa, a Sierra Leonean-born police officer currently serving in the United States.
His message is clear: be vigilant, be informed, and be responsible especially amid growing concerns about illegal drug trafficking in Sierra Leone.
Officer Musa is urging travellers to exercise extreme caution when asked to carry luggage or packages for others. “If someone offers you a bag or any item to take to Sierra Leone and you don’t know them well, please don’t do it,” he cautioned. “Even if you know the person, make sure you receive the item at least one to two weeks before your travel date. This gives you enough time to inspect it thoroughly.”
His warning follows increasing reports of unsuspecting travellers being used as conduits for smuggling illegal substances. Musa stressed that ignorance is not a defence in the eyes of the law and that travellers could face serious legal consequences if found in possession of illicit items.
While it is common for travellers to bring medications especially tablets for family and friends back home, Musa urges a more cautious approach. “It’s good to help our people,” he said, “but I’ve seen cases where legal medications were swapped for illegal drugs without the traveller’s knowledge.”
He further advised that people in Sierra Leone use online platforms to order medications directly or ask trusted relatives to place orders on their behalf, reducing the risk of tampering and protecting both sender and recipient.
Beyond travel logistics, Officer Musa also encouraged travellers to verify their legal and health status before embarking on their journey. “Make sure your immigration documents are in order and that you’re aware of your health condition,” he said. “This helps avoid unnecessary complications or doubts once you arrive in Sierra Leone.”
Musa’s advisory is more than a warning; it is a call for collective responsibility. As Sierra Leone continues to confront the challenges of drug trafficking and public safety, he noted that the diaspora community plays a crucial role in setting a positive example.
“Let’s protect ourselves and our country,” he concluded. “One careless mistake can affect many lives.”
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