Gambia and Sierra Leone Intercept Smuggled Goods at Border Checkpoints

In the early hours of 16 July 2026, Gambian military personnel at the Lamin Koto checkpoint in the Central River Region stopped a white pickup truck that they said belonged to a wife of Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray. The vehicle was suspected of carrying 16 cartons of “Sir” brand cigarettes smuggled from Guinea and other unspecified items. After the seizure, customs officers withdrew and the vehicle was released following orders from senior officials.

On the same day, Sierra Leone police and armed forces conducting a joint operation at the Mile 38 checkpoint arrested three men—Hassan Mansaray, Foday Mansaray and Mohamed Kamara—who were found with a bale of dried leaves believed to be cannabis. The operation was overseen by Superintendent Foday Sorie Fofanah, who noted the suspects’ attempt to evade screening before they were taken into custody.