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In a bold and coordinated effort to combat the devastating impact of kush and other synthetic drugs, authorities have successfully rescued dozens of victims from high-risk communities across Freetown.
The operation, which unfolded over several hours, was hailed as a major success in the government’s ongoing campaign to reclaim the future of Sierra Leone’s youth.
Victims were picked up from known drug hotspots including Bagdad, a community beneath the Congo Cross Bridge, as well as Congo Town, Kanikay, and Portee Wharf. These areas have long been plagued by open drug use and trafficking, with kush posing a particularly lethal threat.
The rescued individuals, many of whom were visibly disoriented and still under the influence of drugs, were transported to the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) in Hastings. During informal corridor conversations, some openly admitted to having taken two to three smokes of kush shortly before being removed from their communities. A stark reminder of the drug’s grip on its users.
At PMTC Hastings, the victims are now receiving medical care, psychosocial support, and counseling. The Ministry of Social Welfare, which leads the rehabilitation and reintegration pillar of the national anti-drug strategy, is overseeing their wellbeing. The Ministry’s role is critical, not only in ensuring that victims are stabilized and treated with dignity, but also in preparing them for reintegration into society through structured support systems and community engagement.
“This operation is not just about removing young people from the streets,” said Mr. Samuel Dugba of the National Drug Enforcement Agency. “It’s about restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and reaffirming that every Sierra Leonean youth deserves a second chance.”
Law enforcement agencies, including the Sierra Leone Police and military, were instrumental in executing the operation. Their presence ensured the safe extraction of victims and the arrest of several suspected drug dealers and suppliers. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities determined to dismantle the entire supply chain, from importers to street-level distributors.
Also present during the operation were staff from the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), including the agency’s Public Relations Coordinator, Miss Rachael A. Kuyembeh. When asked by journalists about the significance of the operation, Miss Kuyembeh emphasized its national importance:
“This is a turning point. What we witnessed today is not just enforcement, it’s compassion in action. The government is sending a clear message: our youth are not disposable. They are worth saving, worth healing, and worth investing in. We at NPHA are proud to stand with our partners in this fight for public health and national renewal.”
The operation has been widely praised by community leaders and residents, many of whom have long called for decisive action. “Kush has torn families apart and stolen the futures of too many,” said a resident of Kanikay. “This intervention gives us hope that change is possible.”
The synthetic drug kush, often laced with toxic substances like formalin, has become a national crisis. Its widespread use has fueled addiction, crime, and social instability, particularly among young people. The government’s multi-pronged response includes public education, community outreach, and stricter enforcement of drug laws.
This latest operation underscores the importance of a whole-of-society approach. From the Ministry of Social Welfare’s compassionate care to the vigilance of law enforcement and the advocacy of public health leaders, every pillar is working in unison to confront this epidemic.
As Sierra Leone continues its fight against kush, the rescue of these victims stands as a powerful symbol of hope. A reminder that with unity, resolve, and compassion, the nation can reclaim its youth and restore dignity to its communities.
