Hastings, 2nd July 2026 – Sierra Leone’s capacity to counter transnational organized crime received a substantial upgrade on Thursday, as Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu officially opened a modern TOCU Forensic Laboratory in Hastings.
Relocated from Connaught Hospital to its new Hastings premises, the high-tech facility is tailored to bolster scientific probing into illicit drug networks and other serious felonies. Featuring sophisticated forensic instruments and dedicated administrative sections, the centre offers an optimal environment for evidence-led policing.
Delivering the keynote address, IGP Sellu characterized the laboratory as a “pivotal advancement” in expanding forensic capabilities and ensuring successful prosecutions grounded in reliable scientific proof. He commended Forensic Analyst ASP Steven for his outstanding professionalism and urged officers to pursue specialized training, map out distinct career pathways, and prioritize institutional growth over individual agendas.
Sellu further directed that officers previously trained in forensic disciplines be reassigned to reactivate the currently dormant forensic unit at Police Headquarters in Kingtom. He stressed that forensic evidence remains one of the judiciary’s most dependable pillars, affirming that the new lab will markedly drive up conviction rates.
Reflecting on milestones achieved during his tenure, the IGP noted the erection of the Police Mortuary, the completion of multiple station projects—including those at Aberdeen and Ross Road—the renovation of Headquarters, and the transformation of the Police Hospital with backing from international partners. He assured his personnel that the necessary resources to optimize the lab’s operations would receive his complete support.
Chief Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), hailed the launch as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s arsenal against organized crime. He lauded IGP Sellu’s hands-on leadership and the consistent professionalism exhibited by the Sierra Leone Police since 2023.
Echoing these sentiments, ACP Alieu Jalloh, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, highlighted the indispensable role of scientific evidence in contemporary policing, observing that forensic analysis offers far greater reliability than eyewitness testimony. He expressed strong confidence that the new laboratory would significantly elevate investigative standards and overall service delivery.
The ceremony attracted members of the Police Executive Management Board, representatives from the Office of National Security, NDLEA officials, and various security stakeholders. In their collective remarks, speakers uniformly underscored the necessity of robust inter-agency synergy in tackling transnational criminal threats and preserving national security.