Authorities Seize Over 4,000 Dangerous Items at Queen Elizabeth Quay, Raising Security Concerns

Authorities Seize Over 4,000 Dangerous Items at Queen Elizabeth Quay, Raising Security Concerns

Authorities at Queen Elizabeth Quay have intercepted a shipment of 4,269 dangerous items, including swords, axes, and knives, raising concerns about potential misuse. This discovery was announced during a police press briefing on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025.

Detective Superintendent of Police Mustapha Gogra, Regional Commander of Freetown East, stated that he received a distress call on Tuesday, September 23rd, from the Director of Security at Queen Elizabeth Quay, requesting immediate assistance. Superintendent Gogra, accompanied by his deputy, Detective James Kanu, responded to the call and was shown the suspicious container.

Three suspects—Ibrahim Barrie, Umaru Lee, and customs broker Sarjoh Barrie—were arrested. The dangerous items were found packed inside three vehicles, which are currently in police custody. During interrogation, Sarjoh Barrie claimed he was hired solely to clear the container. Ibrahim Barrie stated that she was not the owner of the shipment, but rather it was shipped by an individual named Swabu, residing in the United States, and was intended for sale in Makeni.

The suspects were detained for five days and have since been released on bail in accordance with the new Criminal Procedure Act. The case file has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, while the vehicles and seized items remain in police custody as evidence.

Detective Kanu noted a discrepancy between the bill of lading's details and the container's contents, a common tactic used to evade proper fees. He emphasized that "These implements are a red flag and a call for alarm."