By:Alimatu Kargbo
The fight against the deadly synthetic drug Kush has intensified, with over 46 arrests and more than 3,000 wraps of drugs seized in just one week, according to officials at the weekly Ministry of Information and Civic Education press briefing held at the Youyi Building, Freetown.
Speaking at the briefing, Andrew Jaijh Kaikai, Head of the Special Security Unit, said the newly established unit, comprising over 200 officers from the military, police, NDLA, and other agencies, has conducted coordinated raids across more than 90 communities in the Western Area since late October.
“Our primary task is to cut the supply chain,” Kaikai emphasized. “From October 25 to November 3 alone, we made 46 arrests, 28 men and 18 women, and seized over 3,000 wraps of Kush, 63 wraps of hash, and several quantities of Tramadol.”
He highlighted that community cooperation has been key to their progress. “Every community we visit welcomes us. People are tired of what Kush is doing to their youth,” he added. Alfred Moi Jamiru, Community Engagement Pillar Lead at the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), underscored the need for sustained community involvement.
“The Kush crisis affects everyone, rich or poor. Chiefs, councils, and residents must join hands to combat this menace,” Jamiru said. He recalled how local leadership played a pivotal role during the Ebola and COVID-19 responses and urged similar community-driven action to tackle drug abuse.
Brigadier Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, reported significant gains since the establishment of the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse in 2024.
He outlined five pillars guiding the national response: Treatment and Care, over 6,000 patients have been treated. Rehabilitation and Reintegration 4,000 former users are now community ambassadors.
Prevention and Awareness, over 1,000 youth leaders and 50 schools have been engaged. Community Engagement, Media, bloggers, and CSOs are key partners in public sensitization.
Law Enforcement, coordinated raids continue to disrupt the drug supply chain.Prof. Sahr further revealed that a special drug court has been approved by President Julius Maada Bio to fast-track convictions and sustain investment in the fight against Kush.
“We’re not treating victims as criminals. Our goal is to rehabilitate, not punish,” Prof. Sahr stressed. “But the suppliers and traffickers, we will bring them to justice.”
Officials reaffirmed that the Kush epidemic remains one of Sierra Leone’s biggest social and public health challenges, urging collective action from citizens, law enforcement, and local leaders alike. “This fight is not for government alone,” Kaikai concluded. “It is a fight for our nation’s future.”
