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A large-scale anti-drug operation led by the Government of Sierra Leone through the National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse has resulted in the rescue and transfer of dozens of kush victims to the Kissy Rehabilitation Centre in Freetown.
The coordinated raid, conducted across Funkia, Kingtom Bomeh, and Kanikay, was spearheaded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the leadership of Chief Andrew J. Kaikai.
The operation forms part of the government’s intensified response to the kush epidemic, which continues to devastate young people and destabilize communities nationwide.
During the operation, Taskforce teams encountered unrest in the Funkia community, where a spontaneous confrontation had erupted between addicted youths and local drug peddlers. The tension quickly evolved into a grassroots protest, as residents chanted “We nor want kush!” and “Say no to kush!” — a reflection of growing community resistance to the deadly substance.
Dozens of victims suffering from severe addiction and serious health complications were identified and evacuated. Many were found with extensive leg sores and gangrene and were immediately transferred to the rehabilitation centre at Kissy Psychiatric Hospital for urgent medical and psychological care.
Professor Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and National Coordinator for Drug and Substance Abuse, oversaw the public health response. He emphasized the government’s commitment to treating victims with dignity while ensuring rapid mobilization of medical and psychosocial services.
The situation in Funkia was eventually stabilized through the intervention of Colonel B. N. Gorgra, a senior officer under the Law Enforcement Pillar. His leadership helped calm tensions and open dialogue with community members.
“This is not just a fight against drugs,” Colonel Gorgra stated. “It is a fight for your future, for your families, and for the soul of our communities. We must stand together to remove kush from our streets and restore dignity, hope, and purpose to every young life affected.”
At the Kissy Psychiatric Hospital, health officials confirmed that all 40 available beds are now occupied. Plans are underway to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for rehabilitation. Medical teams are prioritizing detoxification, wound care, and psychological counselling as part of a holistic recovery program.
Community leaders in Kingtom Bomeh and Kanikay hailed the intervention as timely and humane.
“These people were suffering,” one elder said. “They needed help, not punishment.”
Authorities reiterated their commitment to tackling the root causes of addiction, including poverty, trauma, and unemployment, while encouraging the public to embrace reintegration efforts and show compassion toward victims.
As the nationwide anti-drug campaign intensifies, the events in Funkia stand as a poignant reminder of the deep scars left by kush — and the collective resilience of communities determined to rise above it. The collaboration between law enforcement, public health institutions, and local residents signals a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s fight against addiction — one built on unity, dignity, and hope.
