President Julius Maada Bio has announced a series of new measures aimed at intensifying Sierra Leone’s nationwide campaign against the illicit drug known as Kush, unveiling five key directives designed to strengthen prevention, enforcement, and justice delivery.

The President’s latest strategy, announced during a national address, underscores his government’s determination to combat the devastating effects of Kush abuse and trafficking, which continue to pose a growing threat to public health, security, and social stability.

At the center of the new directives is the creation of a Specialized Fund to support the five main pillars of the national anti-Kush initiative Prevention, Care and Treatment, Social Support, Law Enforcement, and Community Engagement. The Fund is intended to guarantee sustainable financing for both current and future interventions in the fight against drug abuse.

To ensure swift and fair prosecution of drug offenders, President Bio also announced the establishment of a Special Court dedicated exclusively to handling drug-related cases. The court will comprise specially appointed judges and magistrates tasked with fast-tracking trials and reinforcing the rule of law against traffickers and dealers.

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As part of a strengthened security response, the President revealed plans for the formation of a Dedicated Security Unit, composed of personnel from the Sierra Leone Police’s Operational Support Division (OSD) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The unit will conduct targeted raids on known drug hotspots and carry out coordinated arrests to dismantle trafficking networks.

Further bolstering the judicial framework, the President directed the Honourable Chief Justice to develop and implement a new Practice Direction for handling drug-related cases. This directive aims to promote consistency and severity in sentencing, thereby enhancing deterrence and ensuring accountability within the justice system.

In his fifth directive, President Bio instructed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to expedite a comprehensive review of existing drug laws, with a focus on imposing tougher penalties, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and introducing asset seizure provisions to target the financial gains from drug trafficking.

According to the President, these combined efforts represent a decisive shift toward a more coordinated and results-driven approach to addressing Sierra Leone’s drug crisis.

The new measures are expected to complement ongoing community sensitization and rehabilitation programs while signaling the government’s unwavering commitment to uprooting the Kush epidemic.