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The All People’s Congress (APC) Parliamentary Whip, Abdul Kargbo, has strongly criticised Chief Minister David Sengeh over recent comments regarding Sierra Leone’s growing drug epidemic, accusing him of downplaying the seriousness of the crisis.
Speaking during a visit to the United Kingdom, Sengeh reportedly attributed the country’s drug problem to the importation of substances such as Tramadol and ingredients used in the production of kush from countries including India, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
In response, Kargbo argued that the Chief Minister’s remarks failed to adequately address the scale of the drug crisis and its impact on Sierra Leone.
“The Chief Minister’s remarks in the UK reflect a deeply concerning attempt to minimise the growing international narcotics concerns associated with Sierra Leone,” Kargbo said. He added that such comments were particularly troubling given the reputational and security challenges the country currently faces.
The opposition lawmaker further accused the government of attempting to shift responsibility for the country’s international image onto citizens rather than addressing what he described as governance shortcomings.
“The answer is straightforward,” Kargbo stated. “Sierra Leoneans are not responsible for damaging the country’s image, but the accumulation of governance failures, international controversies, and weak enforcement mechanisms.”
Kargbo also questioned the government’s handling of major drug trafficking allegations, including reports of 30 tonnes of cocaine allegedly linked to Sierra Leone that were intercepted by Spanish authorities.
According to the APC whip, concerns about Sierra Leone’s reputation have largely been driven by reports from international media organisations and European government agencies rather than by the actions of ordinary citizens.
The criticism comes amid heightened scrutiny of Sierra Leone following claims by Dutch officials that one of Europe’s most wanted drug traffickers, Jos Leijdekkers, is residing in the country. Reports have also alleged that Leijdekkers is married to the daughter of President Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone.
However, Sierra Leonean authorities have denied the allegations, maintaining that Leijdekkers is not in the country. Officials have also rejected claims that he appeared alongside the First Family at a church service, stating that the individual seen in photographs was Omar Sheriff and not the fugitive drug suspect.
The exchange points to growing political tensions over the government’s response to drug trafficking and the broader challenge of addressing Sierra Leone’s international reputation amid increasing scrutiny from foreign partners and law enforcement agencies.
