By Kandeh Sesay
Tension gripped the Hamilton community in the early hours of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after residents discovered a suspicious boat flying the Sierra Leonean flag anchored along the shore, raising fresh concerns about the country’s increasing role in international drug trafficking.
Eyewitnesses told The Watch that curious youths, accompanied by the local Chairlady and Headman, rushed to the scene to investigate the boat’s presence. However, their efforts were reportedly blocked by security personnel who claimed they were acting on “orders from above” not to allow any search of the vessel.
“We only wanted to see what was in the boat, but the security forces refused, saying they had instructions not to let anyone near,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous.The incident has further deepened suspicion among locals, especially amid growing reports of unmonitored boats landing along the Western Area Peninsula. Several residents have complained that boats often arrive at night or during the early morning hours and unload unidentified items, sparking fears of illicit trade activities along the coastline.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Government of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Police, the Ministry of Information, or the Maritime Administration regarding the suspicious boat at Hamilton.
This comes on the heels of recent international reports naming Sierra Leone as an emerging transit route for drug trafficking, particularly involving cocaine shipments.
The Watch will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as new information emerges.
