A coordinated security operation by the Operations Team of the Mountain Division has led to the arrest of two men suspected of unlawful possession of controlled substances and firearms, in what authorities describe as a significant step in the fight against crime in the Western Area.
The arrests followed a series of intelligence-led actions carried out on Sunday, targeting individuals believed to be involved in the illegal circulation of drugs and weapons. The first suspect, Alusine Barrie, a resident of Leicester Village, was apprehended at Leicester Wash Bay after officers reportedly discovered twenty tablets of Tramadol in his possession.
According to preliminary police accounts, Barrie later provided information during questioning that led investigators to Jeremiah Lawundeh, who resides at No. 19 Edie Mauculey Street in Gloucester. Acting swiftly on the lead, security personnel conducted a follow-up search at Lawundeh’s residence, where they recovered additional items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Among the exhibits seized were ten cards of Tramadol, a pistol loaded with four live rounds of ammunition, and a suspicious object described by authorities as resembling a human bone. The discovery has raised further concerns among residents and investigators, prompting a deeper probe into the circumstances surrounding the items.
The suspects are currently in custody and assisting the Sierra Leone Police with ongoing investigations. Officials say the operation reflects renewed efforts to clamp down on the proliferation of illicit drugs and illegal firearms, which have been identified as major contributors to insecurity and youth vulnerability in urban communities.
Law enforcement authorities have reiterated their commitment to intelligence-driven policing and urged members of the public to cooperate by providing timely information that could help prevent crime. They also emphasized the dangers associated with the misuse of controlled medications such as Tramadol, noting its growing presence in illegal markets.
Community leaders in the affected areas have welcomed the police action, describing it as a necessary intervention aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring confidence in public safety mechanisms. Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine the recovered items as part of broader efforts to determine possible links to organized criminal networks.
Further updates are expected as the case progresses through the investigative process.