AYV News, March 20, 2024
Hon. Bashiru Silikie
Deputy Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Serra Leone’s Parliament, Hon. Bashiru Silikie has said sincerity is necessary in the fight against Kush and pleaded with MDAs to stop compromising with those involved and urged them to serve in the interest of the nation.
He called on authorities to address the menace caused by the dangerous Kush drug and underscored that agencies responsible should brief parliament on how they are tackling the incredulous addiction and spread of Kush in the country.
He said the level of intake of the Kush substance is worrisome and requested those agencies to do the needful “If you think Parliament should enact more laws, we will do it,” he strongly concluded.
The Parliament of Sierra Leone recently summoned the Sierra Leone Police and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to discuss and answer to questions relating to the excessive intake of a killer drug widely known as Kush.
Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Rogers said there is an allegation that Sierra Leone has been used as a hub or transit to transfer Kush to other parts. He pleaded for concerted efforts to address the issues and requested for the judiciary to be part of the engagement.
Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, Deputy Majority Leader 2 pleaded for a collective effort in fighting the Kush drug intake. The youthful M.P went on to narrate how Parliament intends to address the Kush risk and other related drugs.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma Deputy, Opposition Leader 2 recalled that fights against deadly Ebola and Coronavirus were collective. He said similar sentiment should be forwarded by stakeholders on the Kush issues. He called for overall statistical data from all DMOs to be furnished to Parliament to address the Kush peril and related issues.
While briefing MPs on Kush, Andrew J. Kai-Kai, Executive Director National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency explained their mandate and vision related to the enforcement of drugs. He disclosed that the agency with other partners had launched the rehabilitation drug center at Hastings to mend those who are affected by the Kush drug.
He said since his appointment at the agency he had engaged several communities and schools to enhance awareness raising about the effect of the Kush drug. He said drug abuse can’t be related to politics, but to individuals who are bent on destroying society. “If we can’t address the Kush drug issues then the youths can’t feed Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji-Kella said Kush drug has affected every facet of society. He said the ministry with other inter-ministerial agencies is currently working together to find these young people and take them to rehabilitation centers. He disclosed that the center is just receiving fifty people and at present he said, the ministry has over three hundred youths awaiting rehabilitation.
The deputy minister highlighted the challenges the ministry is facing in addressing the Kush-related problems. “We need more centers, doctors, nurses, and social workers” he said. He requested Parliament for additional political will in the fight against drugs.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sartie Kenneh of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation said any drug-related issues are first sent to the Pharmacy Board for testing and went on to highlight the substances that are involved in the manufacturing of Kush.
He said the number of drug-related issues is rapidly on the increase and went on to give statistical data on the intake of drugs. He said 75% of the drugs are consumed by youths.
Dr. James P. Koroma of the Pharmacy Board said they have been collaborating with other agencies to fight and monitor drug-related issues.
While briefing MPs, the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu said it is a serious concern for all, and requested lawmakers to quickly find a way to address the Kush- related issues in the country. The IG highlighted the work of the Sierra Leone Police in fighting drugs and went on to explain how drug movements are happening in the airport the quay and the marine sector.
The IG informed MPs on the number of tramadol and other related harmful drugs that were burnt by the police recently and went on a note that the fight against drugs should not only be limited to the police but also the communities. The IG also explained matters connected to the judiciary on suspected cases of Kush-related issues.
The IG said religious leaders and stakeholders should partner with the SLP through community relations to address Kush-related matters.
He said in the 37 divisions of the SLP each of them, has a community relations department working with the community. He appealed to the judiciary to do the needful on related matters and also urged them for the establishment of a fast-track court for drug-related issues.
