NRA Customs Officers Foil Major Drug Trafficking Attempt …As Massive Contraband Seizure

July 28, 2025
Gbalamuya Border Crossing Point, Kambia District, Sierra Leone
In a proactive operation led by the Assistant Commissioner for Border Controls and Management John B. Amara, customs staff including Edward Jusu, Manager Gbalamuya Customs Post of National Revenue Authority, in collaboration with other Security agencies including the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Office of National Security (ONS) have intercepted a substantial quantity of contraband suspected to be ‘tramadol’ at the Gbalamuya Border Crossing Point, Kambia District. The operation, which took place at the border with a neighboring country Guinea, resulted in the interception of a vehicle with Guinean registration number BC 1785 and seizure of 79 Gross, 9 Small Packets and 9 Cards of tapentadol tablet (225mg). Also in his possession were 120 pieces of Samsung Galaxy A06, 5 pieces of A36, 5 pieces of A56 and 5 pieces of A26 summing up to 135 pieces of Android mobile phones.

The driver named Mohamed Jalloh confirmed that the vehicle was headed to Freetown.
The successful interception was the result of heightened vigilance by the NRA to ensure every consignment entering the Border undergo thorough declaration and examination. NRA Customs Officers acted on intelligence reports indicating a significant shipment of ’tramadol’ attempting to cross the border. Following the seizure, the contraband, suspect Mohamed Jalloh and the 135 pieces of Android Mobile phones which are dutiable items were handed over to the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kambia Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Bob M.N. Mansaray for further investigation, ensuring that those responsible for this trafficking attempt would be held accountable. NRA and other security agencies agreed that the 135 pieces of Android mobile phones will be returned to the Customs for declaration and payment of the required Duty as mandated by law.

This operation not only underscores the commitment of NRA authorities to tackle goods smuggling and drug trafficking but also aims to protect local communities from the dangers associated with narcotics. With rising concerns over drug abuse and its impact on public health, security agencies are determined to strengthen their efforts in border security and enhance collaboration with international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the country.