Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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HomeBlog PostsDrug Crisis Deepens in Sierra Leone Amid Alleged Political Interference

Drug Crisis Deepens in Sierra Leone Amid Alleged Political Interference

By Kandeh Sesay

Sierra Leone has become a growing hub for drug-related activities, with alarming rates of substance abuse and trafficking. Drugs like kush, Tramadol, and other narcotics have become as commonplace as breakfast in the country. Despite the government’s declaration of a public health emergency on drugs, the situation has worsened, almost as if it legitimized the crisis.

The National Drug Enforcement Agency faces significant challenges, including a lack of vehicles, logistical support, and operational independence due to political interference. This undermines its ability to combat the escalating drug problem effectively.

Kush and other illicit drugs are destroying the nation’s youth. During the June 2023 national elections, it was alleged that the SLPP government distributed kush and related substances in opposition strongholds to incapacitate young people and suppress their participation in the electoral process. Relatives of President Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh have reportedly come under scrutiny for their involvement in local kush production.

The Sierra Leone Police have done little to address this growing crisis. Arrests of drug pushers often lead to their quiet release, leaving whistleblowers vulnerable to threats. Those with political connections reportedly evade justice altogether.

This alarming trend casts doubt on President Bio’s claims of elevating Sierra Leone’s international reputation. Could this crisis threaten the progress the nation has worked so hard to achieve?

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