Police Reveals Major Breakthroughs in Firearms, Drug and Crime Investigations

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have reported major breakthroughs in their fight against crime, including the recovery of illegal firearms, arrests of drug suspects, and the dismantling of a suspected criminal cartel.

The updates were disclosed by the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Detective Commissioner Alieu Jalloh, during the police weekly press briefing at Police Headquarters in Kingtom, Freetown.

Among the key recoveries was an AK-47 rifle seized at the Harbour Division Night Checkpoint, Ferry Junction, Freetown East, from a suspect identified as Ibrahim Madamasi. According to Commissioner Jalloh, the firearm was confirmed to be a police weapon assigned to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) David Nelson Williams and was among arms stolen during the attempted coup on November 26, 2025.

“The weapon’s recovery is a significant breakthrough,” Commissioner Jalloh said, adding that Madamasi remains in police custody but has not provided a satisfactory explanation on how he obtained the firearm.

Police also arrested Tejan Jabbie in Waterloo for allegedly possessing a pistol illegally. The individual he identified as the owner of the weapon is currently at large, while the police officer assigned to the firearm has been detained for failing to report its loss.

In another operation, Ibrahim Mbayoh was arrested at the Ngelehun Checkpoint in Bo East Division for unlawful possession of a shotgun.

The police also intensified their fight against drug-related offences, arresting Hassan Mansaray, Foday Mansaray, and Mohamed Kamara at the Mile 38 Checkpoint for possession of cannabis, locally known as “jamba.” Another suspect, Manso Bangura, was also arrested for a similar offence.

Commissioner Jalloh further revealed that police operations led to the discovery and dismantling of a suspected criminal cartel in Waterloo, with several suspects arrested and currently assisting with ongoing investigations.

Reflecting on the country’s crime situation, the CID boss acknowledged previous increases in armed robbery, murder, and related offences but said recent interventions indicate a positive shift.

“The trajectory is changing,” Jalloh said, citing increased patrols, community engagement, and targeted operations as key factors in reducing criminal activities.

He assured the public that the police remain committed to strengthening security, promoting accountability, and ensuring Sierra Leone remains a safe country. The police also called on citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities.