By Ibrahim Sesay
A new front has been opened in Sierra Leone’s fight against illegal drug sales and medicine-related crimes, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL).
The formal signing took place on Wednesday September 10, 2025 at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Kingtom. Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu and the Registrar of the Pharmacy Board, Dr. James Komeh, jointly endorsed the agreement in the presence of senior officials from both institutions.
Inspector General William Fayia Sellu hailed the partnership as a strategic move that will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to respond to drug-related offenses. He disclosed that the police’s legal department had carefully examined the document before approval, ensuring it aligns with national security priorities.
“This partnership will not remain on paper. We intend to roll it out at all levels of policing, from headquarters to regional divisions so that whenever the Pharmacy Board calls for assistance, the police will be ready to act,” William Fayia Sellu affirmed.
For the Pharmacy Board, the MoU represents the fulfillment of a longstanding aspiration. Dr. James Komeh thanked the police leadership for finally cementing the collaboration, stressing that raising awareness among provincial commanders would be key to success.
“This is a turning point. We have knocked on doors before, but today, under the guidance of IGP William Fayia Sellu, we have achieved what we have long sought,” Dr. James Komeh stated.
Board Chairman and Chief Pharmacist, Dr. Moses Batema, underscored the urgency of the initiative. He noted that drug peddling, counterfeit medicines and regulatory violations continue to compromise Sierra Leone’s health sector.
“This MoU is more than an agreement; it is a shield to protect the public from harmful practices. Together, we can dismantle networks that threaten lives and undermine confidence in healthcare,” Dr. Moses Batema emphasized.
The one-year renewable pact outlines:
- Joint operations targeting drug peddlers and violators.
- Shared training programs to build enforcement and regulatory capacity.
- Coordinated strategies to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical standards.
According to its preamble, the MoU seeks to address the growing prevalence of fake medicines, unlawful drug sales and the dangers these pose to citizens and the health system.
This marks the first time the SLP and PBSL have formalized their cooperation. Officials at the ceremony described the initiative as a milestone in national efforts to reinforce pharmaceutical regulation, protect consumers and ensure a healthier Sierra Leone.
The Calabash Newspaper is Sierra Leone’s leading English‑language news platform—established in 2017 to deliver trusted coverage of politics, culture, health, and more to audiences both at home and abroad.
