Army Captures 2 Smuggler Boats
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Navy under the command of Captain DS Mansaray has impounded two wooden boats smuggling materials out of the country on June 3, 2010 at Yeliboya high seas.
Captain Mansaray disclosed that Forward Base Commander Lieutenant Navy Jenkins and team whilst on patrol of the high seas intercepted two smuggler boats on their way to Guinea Conakry. According to him, 176 timber slides, 35 bags of palm-boiled rice, 46 bags of gari, 6 five gallons of palm oil, 5 bags of recyclable shoe products and 21 bags of bru-bru (food meant for pigs) were intercepted on the said boats.
He stated that the captains of the boat are Saidu Kamara, and Paker Sesay who happens to be the Habour Master of Bailor Port.
There were also five crew members on board the arrested vessels.
Reports have it that the arrest of these 2 smuggler boats has cost the maritime wing of the Army both time, energy and resources; especially in brining them to shore.
The intercepted boats it is said created all sort of problems ranging from engine problems to fuel leakages and boat leakages. Reports indicate that the commander of the maritime wing wasted no time to dispatch both personnel and resources to ensure that the arrested boats were escorted to port as much time, energy and resources were devoted to bring the smugglers to harbour.
This is not the first time the maritime wing has undergone a struggle to bring intercepted boats to Murray Town Habour. Investigations conducted by this Press revealed that Navy patrol boat PB105 nicknamed Sir Milton, the three American Cutter Boats, and ten in shores patrol craft donated by the American Government are in dire need of spares and repairs to ensure that maritime safety and security is in place. Our reporter is also made to understand that the future of Sierra Leone in terms of economic growth and development is tied to its sea.
It is no gain saying that there is need to encourage Captain Mansaray and his boys to continue their work. Quite recently, he has been single handedly able to raise over Le13 billion in less than three months. He is on record of not compromising smuggling, poaching and like activities and dedicated to duty, firm and result oriented.    Â
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