The Sierra Leone Police has revealed that six police officers and two military personnel have already been sacked due to Kush intake.
Briefing newsmen at the headquarters in Freetown, the Police further revealed that two containers have been captured at the Queen Elizabeth Quay II, one filed with Kush and the other one contained the materials used to make the Kush.
They said six suspect are currently in their custody pending investigations, adding that a search was done on a 40ft container that contained 90 packs of Marshmallows, an ingredient for the manufacture of Kush.
He said the owner of the container, one Umaru Kargbo has been identified and 7 people who went to receive the consignment were arrested and currently waiting for trial.
The Special National Townhall Engagement on the fight against Kush on 2nd April 2024 was marked by significant announcements and commitments from various government officials and stakeholders.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasised strict measures against Kush, stating that no bail would be granted to anyone arrested with the substance, regardless of legal representation.
The Vice President also disclosed that two magistrates have been assigned exclusively to handle drug-related cases to ensure timely justice delivery, while also announcing the establishment of a National Task Force on drug and substance abuse, on the instructions of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
The Task Force will bring stakeholders across the country and in the diaspora together to contribute to the fight against drug abuse.
The Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Andrew Jaia Kakai, stressed the importance of targeting importers and manufacturers to cut off the supply chain, adding that the Feed Salone Project relies on young people, therefore the government must ensure all mechanisms are put in place to eradicate Kush.
Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty said the government has shown commitment by allocating funds for community sensitisation drives, establishing the first Government Rehab Center, and providing support for rehabilitation efforts. She revealed that the rehab center provides three meals per day for all admitted Kush victims and since its establishment, a good number of victims have been rehabilitated.
The Minister of Health highlighted the dangers of locally manufactured Kush and pledged medical support for victims, urging collaboration in disrupting the supply chain. Dr. Austin Demby informed the public that most of the Kush consumed in Sierra Leone is locally manufactured with a combination of various chemicals and medications, making it very potent, with the potential to cause bodily harm.
The Minister of Youth, Mohamed Orman Bangura, talked about the grassroots approach to addressing drug abuse and proposed involving District Youth Councils in advocacy efforts to discourage drug use among youths. He also disclosed that the current market price of Kush is soaring due to the robust action of the government to clamp down on importers and distributors.
The Minister of Internal Affairs reported on successful arrests and prosecutions related to Kush, with a decrease in arrests indicating progress. Major-General David T.O Taluva said that they have been arresting 80 to 90 people per week since they launched their anti-drug operation but in recent weeks, the number has reduced to 20 per week. According to him, this is an indication that the efforts of the police to clamp down on Kush importers are paying dividends. He assured the public that they were not putting their guard down.
The Inspector General of Police outlined intensified operations under the National Drug Control Act, emphasising harsh penalties for offenders.
The town hall demonstrated a coordinated effort involving multiple sectors to address the Kush crisis, emphasizing enforcement, rehabilitation and community engagement strategies.
