What's Up Africa, Sierra Leone, Drug Enforcement Theo Edwards What's Up Africa, Sierra Leone, Drug Enforcement Theo Edwards

The Shadows of Corruption: A Diplomatic Passport Scandal and the Silence of Power

The recent revelations concerning diplomatic passports, alleged drug trafficking connections in Turkey, and the deafening silence from our government compel us to speak truth to power with unwavering clarity.

Let us begin with a question that haunts the conscience of every honest Sierra Leonean: How does a man who accepted three brand-new jeeps as gifts become the guardian of our nation's drug enforcement efforts? This is not merely a matter of poor judgment; it is a betrayal of the public trust so profound that it 'shakes the very foundations of institutional integrity.'

When the Parliamentary Select Committee approved this appointment despite such glaring ethical concerns, they did not simply make an error. They made a choice. They chose expediency over excellence, personal loyalty over public service, and in doing so, they opened wide the floodgates through which corruption now flows freely across our land.

An Editorial: Culled ©️

The recent revelations concerning diplomatic passports, alleged drug trafficking connections in Turkey, and the deafening silence from our government compel us to speak truth to power with unwavering clarity.

Let us begin with a question that haunts the conscience of every honest Sierra Leonean: How does a man who accepted three brand-new jeeps as gifts become the guardian of our nation's drug enforcement efforts? This is not merely a matter of poor judgment; it is a betrayal of the public trust so profound that it 'shakes the very foundations of institutional integrity.'

When the Parliamentary Select Committee approved this appointment despite such glaring ethical concerns, they did not simply make an error. They made a choice. They chose expediency over excellence, personal loyalty over public service, and in doing so, they opened wide the floodgates through which corruption now flows freely across our land.

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Henry Leijdekkers, Brother of the Netherlands Fugitive Drug Kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, Recaptured

Turkish authorities released photos of Alleged Abdullah Alp Üstün and drug organized crime group member Hasan Lala, who were captured in the United Arab Emirates with Sierra Leone Diplomatic passports, according to sources.

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The consequences of this moral failure are now painfully evident.

Drugs proliferate in our communities like weeds in an untended garden, poisoning our youth, destroying families, and undermining the social fabric that holds our society together. We must ask ourselves: Is this a coincidence, or is this a consequence?

Video Courtesy: KUSH victims' death en de homeless na salone den dae put de body na resbag en lef na treet lek die-dog. Sad state!

Now comes news even more disturbing, news that connects the dots between diplomatic privilege and international drug cartels.

Reports have emerged from Turkey alleging that a Sierra Leone diplomatic passport was involved in a cocaine trafficking operation, which reportedly involves family members of the highest office in our country.

The specifics of these allegations are serious enough to warrant immediate, transparent investigation.

Yet what do we hear from our government? Silence.

The same administration that celebrated with such theatrical exuberance when securing international funding now retreats into the shadows when accountability comes knocking at their door.

This silence is not golden. It is cowardly.

It is the silence of those who have much to hide and little courage to face the truth.

Instead of forthright leadership, we are subjected to a parade of government propagandists, those willing mouthpieces of power who rush before the cameras with denials that reek of desperation.

These are not journalists seeking truth; they are mercenaries selling their integrity for a paycheck. The recent revelation that the Chief Minister and Solicitor General paid office rent for a sympathetic media outlet in London merely confirms what discerning citizens have long suspected: much of what passes for news in support of this government is nothing more than purchased propaganda.

How tragically ironic that this payment itself became news, thereby exposing the very machinery of deception it was meant to fuel. In their attempt to manipulate public perception, they have instead revealed their methodology. The public now sees clearly that they are being lied to systematically, deliberately, and with government funding.

The credibility of our Immigration office lies in ruins.

If gifts of luxury vehicles can purchase the favor of those charged with protecting our borders, what else might be bought?

Who else has been compromised? How many diplomatic passports have been issued not in the service of our national interest, but in the service of criminal enterprises?

These questions demand answers, yet we hear only evasion and excuses.

The Foreign Minister’s response to these allegations epitomizes the doublespeak that has become the trademark of this administration.

He declares the Turkish reports to be false, yet simultaneously announces an investigation to determine their veracity. This is not leadership; this is linguistic gymnastics designed to confuse rather than clarify, to obscure rather than illuminate.

The Foreign Minister’s response to these allegations epitomizes the doublespeak that has become the trademark of this administration. He declares the Turkish reports to be false, yet simultaneously announces an investigation to determine their veracity. This is not leadership; this is linguistic gymnastics designed to confuse rather than clarify, to obscure rather than illuminate.

Let us speak plainly.

You cannot simultaneously dismiss allegations as lies while investigating whether they are true. Such contradictory statements insult the intelligence of the Sierra Leonean people and reveal a government more concerned with public relations than public service.

The people of Sierra Leone have a fundamental right to know the truth. We have a right to know if our diplomatic credentials are being exploited by criminal networks. We have a right to know if corruption has infected our immigration services. We have a right to know if those in positions of power are using their influence to shield wrongdoers from justice. And we have a right to demand that our government answer these questions with honesty, transparency, and urgency.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

When corruption is allowed to thrive in the highest offices, it spreads throughout society, normalizing dishonesty and rewarding unscrupulous individuals. When those responsible for enforcing the law act unlawfully, the entire social contract breaks down. When government officials accept bribes disguised as gifts, they not only compromise their own integrity but also undermine the nation's values.

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Sierra Leone: When the Head of the Fish Rotten, the Whole Body Spoils

Sierra Leone stands as a tragic masterpiece in the gallery of failed governance—a living proverb of what happens when the head of the fish is rotten and the rot infects every organ, fin, and scale of national life.

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The time for silence has passed. The time for excuses has expired. The time for accountability has arrived.

We call upon every institution of civil society, every independent journalist, every religious leader, every educator, and every ordinary citizen who loves this country to demand answers. We call upon the international community to assist in uncovering the truth about these allegations. We call upon the conscience of every government official who still possesses one to speak out against the corruption that threatens to consume our nation.

History will judge us not by the challenges we faced, but by how we responded to them.

Will we be remembered as the generation that stood silent while our institutions crumbled? Or will we be remembered as those who found the courage to demand better, to fight for justice, and to hold power accountable?

The choice is ours. The moment is now. And the world is watching.

An Editorial: Culled ©️

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What's Up Africa, Sierra Leone Theo Edwards What's Up Africa, Sierra Leone Theo Edwards

We in Sierra Leone Have Become Completely 'Tonto,' Transitioning Into a Far More Dangerous Realm of Drug Trafficking

Sierra Leone's enduring struggles are rooted in a long and troubled history that stretches back centuries. From the oppressive grip of colonialism to the challenges of post-independence, leaders have continuously twisted the truth to advance their agendas. This betrayal has not only persisted but has become entrenched within the very institutions of the country. Each institution—be it political, judicial, or administrative—harbors its own set of moles that undermine the system.

The entanglement of political figures, security forces, and administrative officials with narcotics traffickers has not only facilitated the cartel’s operations but has also eroded public trust in democratic governance and jeopardized both national and international security.
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“The U.S. State Department has classified Sierra Leone as a drug transshipment country. According to reports from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Sierra Leone is used as a key transit hub for international drug trafficking, particularly for cocaine moved from South America and Asia to Europe, and to a lesser extent, the United States. The country faces significant challenges with drug trafficking and money laundering, compounded by pervasive corruption and weak law enforcement, making it a critical node in global drug transit routes.”
— Source
Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs | State Department 2021 - 2025 Report Reprint

Sierra Leone's enduring struggles are rooted in a long and troubled history that stretches back centuries. From the oppressive grip of colonialism to the challenges of post-independence, leaders have continuously twisted the truth to advance their agendas. This betrayal has not only persisted but has become entrenched within the very institutions of the country. Each institution—political, judicial, or administrative—harbors its own set of moles that undermine the system.

 
 

These agents of deceit ensure that the truth is buried beneath layers of bureaucratic confusion, feeding the public a steady diet of misinformation.

We have gone totally ‘Tonto.’

Often referred to as the ‘Athens of Africa,’ Sierra Leone is a land rich in potential, boasting 44 minerals containing rare earth elements, arable land, fertile soil, predictable weather, and a rich cultural heritage. However, behind this impressive façade, the country's elites have inflicted significant damage on both the nation and its economy. As a result, we have completely lost our way.

Sixty-four years after our country's independence from the British on April 27, 1961, our country still struggles to find a path toward prosperity. While other African nations have made significant progress despite facing similar historical circumstances, we now find ourselves in an even more precarious situation.

Graduating instead to a much more dangerous territory of international drug trafficking.

‘The entanglement of political figures, security forces, and administrative officials with narcotics traffickers has not only facilitated the cartel’s operations but has also eroded public trust in democratic governance and jeopardized both national and international security.’

“We have completely gone ‘Tonto.’”
— Theo Edwards
“SIERRA LEONE: COCAINE CARTELS AND THE RISE OF STATE CAPTURE”
— Source

Sierra Leone has come under renewed scrutiny as a key transit hub for international drug trafficking. A damning report by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs underscores the extent of the crisis, stating that "drug trafficking and money laundering remain prevalent, with the country being used as a transshipment point from South America and Asia to Europe, and, to a lesser extent, the United States." The report further highlights that corruption is a “pervasive problem in Sierra Leone that compromises citizen access to basic public services and institutions such as health, education, and the police. The criminal justice system is inefficient and backlogged.” ( Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs: Sierra Leone Summary - United States Department of State)

Escalating role in global drug trade

Sierra Leone has become a critical hub in international cocaine trafficking, with increasing seizures and arrests linked to the country. The World Drug Report 2023 identified eight African nations as emerging markets for the cocaine trade between 2019 and 2022. Among them, Sierra Leone stands out, with record drug seizures in 2021. —page160: WDR23_B3_CH8.pdf.

The country’s role in the global narcotics trade became even more evident when Belgian authorities traced the second-largest shipment of cocaine entering their ports to Sierra Leone, seizing six tons of the illicit substance in 2024. (Big Drop In Drug Seizures At Belgium Mega Port As Latam Busts Soar - Barron's)

Cocaine seizures

The increasing use of West African maritime routes by traffickers is exemplified by a significant drug interception in November 2022. The French Navy, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, intercepted a Brazilian tugboat 400 miles off the coast of Sierra Leone. The vessel, under surveillance since its departure from Brazil, was carrying over 4.6 tons of cocaine worth approximately €150 million (US$157.8 million). If distributed in the UK, authorities estimate the drugs could have generated more than £300 million (US$366.4 million) in criminal profits. (French Navy Seizes 4.6 Tons of Cocaine from Brazilian Tugboat | OCCRP)

(The French Navy)

Sierra Leone's link to the global cocaine trade has been further reinforced by multiple arrests involving traffickers with ties to the country

On January 9, 2025, Joy Gulmatico, a 29-year-old Filipina, was apprehended at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport attempting to smuggle 4.57 kg of cocaine worth PHP 24.2 million ($416,240). She had travelled from Sierra Leone via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Filipina traveler caught with P24-M cocaine at NAIA | Philippine News Agency)

On 17 January 2025, in Mumbai, India, authorities arrested Thoma Mendy, a 40-year-old Senegalese national, for smuggling 2.6 kg of cocaine valued at ₹26.62 crore ($3 million). Mendy admitted he had received the drugs at a hotel in Sierra Leone before embarking on his journey. (Mumbai: DRI Arrests 40-Year-Old Senegal National For Smuggling Cocaine Worth ₹26.62 Crore At CSMIA; Reveals Syndicate Ties)

On 8 February 2025, the authorities in Liberia seized a “shipment of 234 kg of cocaine at Bo Waterside, a key border crossing with Sierra Leone.” (Liberia’s Growing Drug Crisis: Weak Justice System Turning Nation into Traffickers’ Haven - FrontPageAfrica)

In May 2022, a major cocaine seizure occurred in Burkina Faso, where 115 kg of the drug was discovered in a vehicle that had originated in Sierra Leone before crossing through Guinea and Mali en route to Ghana. (See page 14: TOCTA_Sahel_drugs.pdf)

High-profile UK smuggling operation

One of the most striking cases implicating Sierra Leone in global drug trafficking occurred in June 2022. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) intercepted a Merseyside-based organized crime syndicate attempting to smuggle 1.3 tonnes of cocaine into the UK. The drugs, concealed within a shipment of garri flour from Freetown, had an estimated street value of £140 million. The operation, codenamed "Lemonlike," identified Darren Schofield, also known as "Thor," as the ringleader. Six members of the gang were sentenced to a combined 75 years in prison in December 2024. ( Drugs boss set up front company for Amazon and Argos goods to smuggle cocaine worth £140m - National Crime Agency) (Thor' and his gang smuggled £140m of cocaine into the UK from Sierra Leone - Liverpool Echo)

Diplomatic controversy

On or about January 17, 2025, no fewer than seven suitcases filled with cocaine were discovered in a Sierra Leone embassy vehicle in Guinea, raising diplomatic and legal questions about official complicity in drug smuggling operations. (Sierra Leone: Suitcases of suspected cocaine found in embassy vehicle - BBC News) | (YAME Digital)

State capture

The Africa Confidential Special Report, titled "President Bio Keeps Cocaine Lord in the Family," Sierra-Leone-Cocaine-Lord-Special-Report-1.pdf provides compelling evidence of state capture in Sierra Leone by narcotics traffickers. The report details how Jos Leijdekkers (also known as Chubby Jos, Mocro Mafia Boss, Bellos Jos, and Omar Sheriff), a convicted Dutch cocaine kingpin, has infiltrated the highest levels of Sierra Leone's political and security structures. (Mafia boss 'Chubby Jos' tracked down after pics gave away location but shock twist means cops can't touch him…for now | The US Sun) He has effectively infiltrated and commandeered state institutions to serve the interests of his criminal enterprise. (YAME Digital)

In 2008, Sierra Leone’s state apparatus cooperated to ensure that those who flew a plane-load of cocaine into the country were apprehended and handed over to the United States. However, this remains the only instance where cocaine traffickers have been arrested with the collaboration of the Sierra Leonean government. Since then, the landscape has drastically changed, with mounting evidence that state institutions are now complicit in the drug trade rather than combating it.

Various investigative reports have exposed the cartel's deep political ties in Sierra Leone. Notably, Africa Confidential reveals that Leijdekkers, also known as Omar Sheriff, has a personal connection to the presidency, as he is romantically involved with Agnes Bio, the daughter of President Julius Maada Bio. Agnes Bio holds a diplomatic position at Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, a role that grants her diplomatic immunity. This raises concerns that the cartel may be using diplomatic privileges to facilitate its operations under official cover.

Reports from Africa Confidential and other international sources indicate that Leijdekkers and his cartel have infiltrated Sierra Leone’s security forces, securing logistical support and protection for their smuggling operations.

This suggests a deliberate subversion of security institutions, prioritizing the interests of the cartel over national security.

The issuance of official documents to cartel members is another strong indicator of state capture. Both past and present Chief Immigration Officers have been implicated in providing passports to cartel operatives, enabling their unrestricted international movement. This abuse of authority demonstrates the cartel’s ability to manipulate immigration systems for illicit purposes.

Evidence has emerged that the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, also known as Deep Water Quay, has been used as a hub for massive cocaine shipments to Europe. Despite multiple cocaine seizures abroad linked to shipments from Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Police have taken no action, further signaling state complicity.

Despite overwhelming evidence of state institutions being exploited by the cartel, there have been no prosecutions. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is empowered to initiate legal proceedings, has remained silent and inactive, suggesting either intimidation or collusion. The ACC’s failure to act reinforces the perception of a compromised justice system.

Money laundering and rapid asset accumulation by government officials have reached alarming levels. High-ranking officials, including the Chief Immigration Officer, have reportedly acquired multiple properties in the United States and elsewhere in quick succession. This sudden wealth accumulation abroad strongly indicates money laundering and illicit financial flows, further entrenching the cartel’s economic influence.

Conclusion

These indicators paint a clear picture of a criminal organization that has effectively captured state mechanisms, bending them to its will and undermining the rule of law. The entanglement of political figures, security forces, and administrative officials with narcotics traffickers has not only facilitated the cartel’s operations but has also eroded public trust in democratic governance and jeopardized both national and international security. Addressing this crisis requires urgent, coordinated action at both domestic and global levels to dismantle the cartel’s grip on state institutions and restore institutional integrity, justice, and accountability.

Abdoul Mahdieu Savage | Contact: Renewal News Network Limited | Send Email

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KARACHI: March 23, 2025: Pakistani authorities have intercepted an attempt to smuggle 5.6 million Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, valued at Rs2.8 billion (US$10 million), disguised as a towel export to Sierra Leone.

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They go to great lengths to smuggle the drugs, only to be outsmarted by customs agents. Anyone considering the risks of drug dealing across borders should learn from this.

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