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The Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. David Taluva has on the 22nd March 2024 engaged the security sector of Kenema Division, to address the growing concern of the illicit drug trade in the Region, particularly the proliferation of Kush at the Kenema District Council Hall.
The meeting gathered representatives from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), NCRA, Correctional Services-SL, Sierra Leone, National Fire Force (SLNFF), Immigration and ONS, thereby providing a platform to assess the current state of affairs surrounding the illegal drug trade and formulate strategies to tackle its adverse effects on society.
Minister Taluva acknowledging the substantial rise in Kush-related incidents and the devastating consequences it poses to public safety. Drawing attention to the alarming statistics, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to confront the drug trade head-on. He commended the Eastern Region for championing the fight against “Kush”, and emphasized that taken first position in the fight against “Kush” was a testament of institutional cohesion, and determination to combat the menace.
He called on the sector to be also doing the needful in the fight and help in protecting the lives and properties of all citizens as part of their core mandate. He maintained that, it is importance to have collaboration between Law Enforcement Agencies at all levels.
He stressed the significance of enhanced intelligence sharing and coordination among various security forces to effectively dismantle the networks responsible for Kush production, distribution, and consumption.
The Minister further emphasized the need for community involvement and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of illicit drug use and its far-reaching consequences. He declared the fight against “Kush” as a “Community war”, and strongly warned those that were in the habit of allowing their premises to be used for the production, acquisition and sales of “Kush” to desist from it immediately, or face the rough side of the law.
He maintained that the government is committed to eradicating the narcotics trade and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens as well as called upon the security sector to redouble its efforts and collaborate with partners to combat the Kush trade effectively.
