By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a decisive move to confront the growing threat of Kush, a high-grade marijuana, the Sierra Leonean Government convened a National Town Hall Meeting at the Bintumani Hotel Conference Center in Aberdeen, Freetown, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Hosted by Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, the gathering brought together a spectrum of stakeholders including Government leaders, representatives from the Inter-Religious Council, Civil Society members, international partners, entertainers, political figures, and other concerned parties. The theme of the meeting was : ‘Join Hands To Stop Kush,’ signifying a national conversation on combating the proliferation of this harmful substance.
During the meeting, significant developments were announced regarding recent law enforcement actions against Kush trafficking. The Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, revealed that over the preceding weekend, law enforcement intercepted two containers at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, containing materials associated with Kush production. The interception marked a critical step in the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the illicit drug.
One individual, identified as Umaru Kargbo and residing in Holland, was linked to the shipment of one of the intercepted containers. Additionally, seven individuals who attempted to receive the containers were apprehended and are aiding authorities in their investigations. The swift action by law enforcement agencies underscores the seriousness with which Sierra Leone is addressing the Kush crisis.
Speaking at the Town Hall meeting, Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, reiterated the Government’s firm stance on tackling Kush-related activities. He emphasized that individuals arrested in connection to Kush must not be granted bail, affirming the Government’s commitment to prosecuting offenders with severity.
In further efforts to expedite legal proceedings related to Kush, the Vice President announced the assignment of two Magistrates specifically tasked with handling Kush-related cases. This measure underscores the Government’s determination to address the issue swiftly and effectively.
In a determined effort to address the growing threat of the deadly synthetic drug known as Kush, the Vice President, also announced the formation of a comprehensive National Task Force.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that the Task Force will engage all sectors of society and will extend its reach to district and chiefdom levels.
In his capacity as Chairman of the Police Council, the Vice President asserted stringent measures to combat the Kush epidemic. He declared that individuals arrested in connection with Kush will be denied bail, with two magistrates dedicated to handling cases related to the drug.
Furthermore, Vice President Jalloh disclosed significant progress in law enforcement efforts, revealing the recent arrest of seven individuals linked to two intercepted containers suspected of containing Kush. He issued a stern warning, stating, “They will never see sunlight,” emphasizing that those apprehended will face charges and sentencing without reprieve.
The establishment of this national task force underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to eradicating the menace of Kush and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
Minister of Youth Affairs Mohamed Oman Bangura emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for collective action to combat the devastating impact of Kush, particularly on Sierra Leone’s youth. He underscored the importance of community engagement and awareness campaigns in conjunction with law enforcement efforts.
The Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, outlined the Government’s multifaceted approach to addressing the Kush crisis, including community sensitization programs and the establishment of a rehabilitation center for victims of drug abuse. She called for collaboration from all sectors of society in the fight against Kush, emphasizing the collective responsibility to safeguard the nation’s future.
Minister of Health, Austin Demby, 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 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.
On the part of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Tarawallie, he assured of prosecution on importers, manufacturers, and distributors, with legislative reforms to enhance enforcement and to effectively prosecute Drug importers.
Opposition and Government representatives called for bipartisan support and legislative reforms to tackle Kush effectively. The Leader of the Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo and the Deputy Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Sidikie called on everyone to depoliticize the fight against Kush and registered Parliament’s commitment to support legislative reforms to enhance the fight against Kush.
Religious leaders, paramount chiefs, journalists, survivors, civil society organizations, and various groups pledged their support for government efforts to combat Kush and called on the government to focus on importers to ensure the supply chain is disrupted.
The National Town Hall Meeting served as a platform for robust discussion and decisive action in the fight against Kush. It also demonstrated a coordinated effort involving multiple sectors to address the Kush crisis, emphasizing enforcement, rehabilitation, and community engagement strategies.
With a united front and comprehensive strategies in place, Sierra Leone is poised to confront this menace head-on, safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
