Nationwide rollout as MoU enforcement framework takes effect
KENEMA – The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have launched an intensive nationwide campaign to combat drug peddling and medicine-related violations following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a comprehensive enforcement framework against illeal distribution and sale of medicines.
The partnership officially formalized at a high-level ceremony with the Inspector General of Police at Police Headquarters in Freetown is now being rolled out across all regions to ensure consistent field-level implementation between police officers and PBSL inspectors.
At a briefing held at the Regional Police Headquarters in Kenema on Tuesday November 18 2025 senior officials outlined the strategic objectives and practical enforcement measures that will guide joint operations nationwide.
Dr. Moses Batema Chief Pharmacist and Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Ministry of Health who also serves as Chairman of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone explained that the collaboration addresses the growing threat of pharmaceutical violations in the country. "The Pharmacy Board will provide technical expertise in drug regulations counterfeit detection and enforcement protocols " Dr. Batema said. "We will assist the police in identifying counterfeit and substandard drugs and collecting critical data to protect public health and safety."
Acting Inspector General of Police for the Eastern Region Francis Briama Mainday detailed the operational responsibilities of the Sierra Leone Police under the MoU. These include conducting investigations and surveillance operations to detect and apprehend individuals involved in drug peddling gathering evidence for prosecution and providing necessary support under relevant laws.
"This partnership strengthens intelligence-sharing boosts joint operations and significantly enhances our national capacity to combat the circulation of illegal and unsafe medicines " AIG Mainday emphasized during the engagement attended by local unit commanders from Kailahun Koindu Tongo and Kenema.
The MoU establishes clear protocols for cracking down on illegal pharmacies counterfeit medicines and other pharmaceutical-related offences. Key aspects include strengthened collaboration between both institutions enhanced law enforcement coordination capacity building for officers and inspectors and increased public awareness campaigns. Confidentiality in executing duties remains a cornerstone of the agreement.
Thomas Adey Williams Chairman of the PBSL Joint Task Force for the Eastern Region and Eastern Region Chairman of the Pharmacy Board welcomed the partnership as a critical step in promoting public health and safety. "This united front demonstrates our commitment to enforcing Sierra Leone's medicines laws and protecting consumers from dangerous substances " Williams stated.
Dr. Mohamed Sesay Deputy Registrar of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone emphasized the crucial role police officers will play in tackling drug peddling across the regions and throughout the country.
In a parallel development the following day Wednesday November 19 2025 the Pharmacy Board met with members of the Pharmaceutical Business Association (PBA) to discuss the MoU and enlist the private sector's support in combating drug peddling. Demba Barrie Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Business Association pledged the association's full cooperation with the Pharmacy Board. "The Pharmaceutical Business Association says no to drug peddling " Barrie declared calling on all members to work closely with PBSL in addressing this public health crisis.
The nationwide popularization campaign continues across all regions as both PBSL and SLP commit to a coordinated approach aimed at eliminating the circulation of illicit drugs and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Officials expect the partnership to yield significant benefits for Sierra Leone's healthcare system and public safety marking a new era of collaborative enforcement in the pharmaceutical sector.