Government Contracts European Firm to Boost Maritime Drug Enforcement - VP Juldeh Jalloh

The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has highlighted the government’s intensified efforts to combat illicit drugs, warning of the growing threat narcotics pose to national security and youth development.

Speaking yesterday as guest of honour and keynote speaker at the London Civic Day Series, London Civic Day Series, the Vice President said the Government of Sierra Leone is “strongly engaging with partners” in a coordinated effort to address the drug crisis.

He emphasized that the administration is pursuing a more aggressive and structured approach to tackling narcotics trafficking and abuse, noting that the issue remains a major national concern.

In a significant policy disclosure, Dr. Jalloh announced that the Government of Sierra Leone has contracted a European security firm to provide specialized support in maritime security operations.

He explained that the partnership is intended to strengthen surveillance along Sierra Leone’s coastline, disrupt maritime trafficking networks, and prevent the use of national waters as transit routes for illegal drugs.

According to him, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance border security and improve the country’s capacity to respond to transnational organised crime, particularly drug trafficking.

The Vice President further stressed that the government remains committed to leveraging international partnerships and technical expertise to safeguard national security and protect young people from the social and economic consequences of substance abuse.

He added that strengthening maritime monitoring systems is a critical step in closing gaps exploited by trafficking networks operating across the region.

The announcement underscores Sierra Leone’s ongoing strategy to combine domestic enforcement efforts with international cooperation in addressing the growing challenge of illicit drug trafficking.