AYV News, May 12, 2026
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has written an open letter to President Julius Maada Bio expressing deep concern over what he describes as “alarming and repeated international reports” linking Sierra Leone to global drug trafficking and organized criminal networks.
In the strongly worded letter addressed to State House, Hon. Kargbo cited recent international media and law enforcement reports alleging that Sierra Leone, its territorial waters, ports, and individuals connected to the country have featured in multiple transnational narcotics investigations over the past two years.
He pointed in particular to the reported interception of a vessel identified as MV Arconian by Spanish authorities, allegedly carrying over 30 tonnes of cocaine after departing from Freetown. According to international reports referenced in the letter, the vessel was seized off the coast of Western Sahara through an operation involving Spanish, American, and Dutch intelligence cooperation.
Hon. Kargbo further noted claims that the vessel had previously sailed under a Sierra Leone flag and was reportedly equipped with weapons and armed personnel, raising what he described as “serious national security concerns” about maritime surveillance and port security systems in Sierra Leone.
The Opposition Leader also referenced statements attributed to Spain’s Interior Ministry linking the operation to a wider international criminal network, including the Dutch-Moroccan “Mocro Mafia,” and individuals allegedly connected to fugitive drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, widely known as “BolleJos.”
Beyond the maritime case, Hon. Kargbo highlighted a series of international arrests and drug interceptions in countries including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Hong Kong, India, and Sri Lanka, in which Sierra Leonean nationals or routes linked to Sierra Leone were reportedly implicated.
He also referred to past incidents involving alleged narcotics seizures linked to diplomatic channels and border security lapses in the sub-region, arguing that the cumulative effect of these cases is damaging Sierra Leone’s international reputation.
According to him, Sierra Leone is increasingly being perceived by international law enforcement agencies as a possible transit point within global cocaine trafficking routes connecting Latin America, West Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Hon. Kargbo warned that continued silence or limited official responses from the government risks deepening international suspicion and could have serious consequences for the country’s diplomatic standing, trade relations, investment prospects, and travel privileges for Sierra Leoneans abroad.
“The Government’s continued silence is unfortunately strengthening suspicions internationally,” he wrote, adding that decisive action, transparency, and accountability were urgently needed to restore confidence.
The letter also drew attention to the growing domestic drug crisis, particularly the spread of synthetic substances such as “Kush” among young people. Hon. Kargbo described the situation as a national emergency, citing rising addiction, youth homelessness, and social disruption across communities.
He shared a personal account involving a family member who, after enrolling in university, reportedly dropped out due to drug involvement and is now living in unstable conditions in Freetown, an example he said illustrates the depth of the crisis affecting families nationwide.
The Opposition Leader warned that Sierra Leone risks being labeled internationally as a “narco-transit state” if urgent reforms are not undertaken. He noted that such a designation could undermine foreign investment, banking relations, tourism, migration opportunities, and international cooperation.
He also drew historical parallels, referencing Sierra Leone’s past struggle to shed its association with “blood diamonds,” and warned against a renewed global stigma tied to narcotics trafficking.
Hon. Kargbo concluded by urging President Bio to take immediate and decisive steps to investigate the allegations, strengthen border and maritime security, and publicly address growing international concerns in order to protect the country’s image and future.
He stressed that the issue transcends party politics and called for national unity in confronting what he described as a “deeply dangerous criminal infrastructure threat.”
“History teaches us that nations do not become narco-states overnight,” he wrote. “It happens gradually through silence, institutional compromise, and failure to act.”
The government has not yet officially responded to the contents of the letter.
