SLP destroys illicit mining dredges along the Male River

There is no gain in saying that our exploitation of the environment exposes us to catastrophes. The issue of stripping of topsoils, or the depletion of both the surface and subsurface water supply chain has negative consequences like unsafe conditions that expose people to disaster. To remedy or prevent the progression of the above, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have jointly continued with their normal fight against the misuse or degradation of the landscape in the Eastern Region. On Tuesday 10th May 2022,  the head of Precious Mineral Intelligent and Investigation Unit-East (PMIIU),  Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sam Elkondoh Koroma, led a team comprising of the Sierra Leone Police from Kenema Division,  Officers from the Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) onboard SLP 121and one EPA-SL vehicle AKR 118, to Walima Village, Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, to destroy illicit mining dredges, and eventually arrest anyone that was involved in such activities.

Addressing personnel on parade, the Operations Officer for Kenema Division; Deputy
Superintendent of police (Dpt/Supt) Ibrahim Dilkisu Kamara, stated the Negative effects of illicit
dredge Mining on the environment, especially the deduction of the quality of our rivers and
destruction of the lives of aquatic animals. He reminded the personnel of their key roles and responsibilities during such operations and strongly warned them to display professionalism and be firm in executing their duties, as it was a National fight for the development of Sierra Leone. Arriving at the scene the team professionally uncovered seven dismantled dredges that were hidden in different locations. The police were able to locate two sets of powered machines, suckers, and other items that were hidden in the depth of the river. Consequently, the discovered seven dismantled dredges were destroyed and burnt down, whilst the two machines including the suckers were handed over to the town Chief for safekeeping.

Addressing the community people of Walima after the operations, Mr. Gibril Kamara, the Legal man from EPA-SL East, stated that illicit mining was not only a threat to the community but also the state security as well. He strongly warned them not to allow anyone to engage in any mining activities without the notice of EPA-SL, or Mines. He, therefore, called on the town chief and his subjects to report to the appropriate authorities of any illicit dredge mining and any strange or foreign person around their Community that were suspected to be Miners. Mr. Kamara pointed out that the destruction of those dredges were going to serve as a deterrent to those who might intend to carry out similar activities. In response, Chief Gassimu Saffa, the Town Chief of Walima Village, assured the visiting team of his unflinching support for the development of ”Mama Salone” and promised to act within the frames of the law.

In another development, one Bockarie Musa was arrested with two power Shaw Machines on the
height of illegal timber logging at Massahun village, Nongowa Chiefdom. He is presently in the
Kenema police station for questioning. Addressing the returning team, the Regional Commander East, Mr. Mustapha Solomon Kambeh stated that Environmental destruction has become perennial in Sierra Leone, and as a result was a huge challenge to combat. He, therefore, thanked the EPA-SL for collaborating with the police in their relentless fight against Environmental degradation and assured them of his unflinching support.

By Mohamed Amara Gando