By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
In order to tackle the security implications posed by boats at night, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has banned all boats in the country from using, berthing, or anchoring at any wharf in Sierra Leone after 7 p.m.
The ban according to a press statement from the police dated 29th August will be in full force effective Friday 1st September, 2023.
The Police also announced in the release that they are working with other ministries, departments, and agencies to intensify monitoring and security checks at all wharves across the country.
The Police in their release, expressed concern that locally made boats and canoes operate and berth at wharves across the country at night, in the guise of being involved in either sea transportation or fishing activities. It stated that in as much as these activities complement the transport and fishing sectors, however, their operations unchecked within wharves have far-reaching security implications.
It noted that it is against this backdrop that the SLP engaged all stakeholders with the view to examine the threats by these night operations in wharves across the country.
It also stated that credible intelligence so far received by the Police points to the fact that “unscrupulous people have plans to exploit the current situation to their advantage by using these wharves at night to carry out clandestine activities.”
In an interview with Politico, the Head of Police Media and Public Relations, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Brima Kamara noted that it has always been a crime for boats to operate after 7 p.m., saying bad people always work at night.
“Bad people always look for loopholes to capitalize on, since they realize that wharves operate after 7 p.m.,” he said.
He stated that the ban on boats operating at night is a result of suspicion of them smuggling contraband goods and other people who may want to cause havoc in communities. He said the ban will last for as long as possible and it will be effective.
The SLP ended by urging strict compliance as defaulters will be made to face the full force of the law.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (30/08/23)
