By Ragan M Conteh

It is incontestable that since President Julius Maada Bio assumed office, the proliferation of illicit drugs in Sierra Leone has reached alarming levels. One of the most dangerous substances plaguing the nation is a synthetic drug known as Kush. This drug has become so widespread that there is hardly a village or community in the country unaffected by its devastating impact.

Tragically, Kush is destroying the lives of countless young people across the nation. Thousands of youths have reportedly died due to its effects, while many others have become social outcasts, abandoning their families and communities. Despite this escalating crisis, the government appears to be giving minimal attention to effectively address the menace. This neglect, critics argue, threatens the very future of the nation’s youth.

In response to the crisis, the Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, has taken a leading role in the fight against drug abuse.

His effort ranges from organizing seminars, engaging schools, raising public awareness to supporting victims of substance abuse.

Meanwhile, the Whip expressed grave concerns over what he describes as the government’s complacency in tackling the growing drug epidemic. He noted that despite his and others’ advocacy, the government has deliberately allocated only a ‘minimal portion of the national budget’ to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

He stressed that this agency, which is tasked with combating drug trafficking and enforcing drug laws, lacks the resources to carry out its mandate effectively. He stated that most of the staff do not even have transportation means to perform their routine duties, emphasizing that without adequate support, the fight against drug proliferation will remain ineffective.

The lawmaker also referenced a recent case in which Interpol allegedly identified a wanted Dutch drug baron residing in Sierra Leone. He claimed that despite video and photographic evidences confirming the individual’s presence, the government downplayed the matter and suppressed the information.

According to him, Sierra Leone’s international image is now suffering as the country is increasingly being viewed as a drug haven. He narrated Sierra Leoneans traveling abroad are often greeted with suspicion due to the growing perception of the nation as a hub for harmful substances.

Hon. AKK concluded by accusing the government of being reluctant to wage a genuine war on drug trafficking, alleging that some individuals in high-ranking positions may be benefiting from the drug trade while the future of the nation’s youth continues to be destroyed.