Police in Sierra Leone have arrested an Operational Support Division (OSD) officer who was captured on camera with suspected drugs.

A photo that went viral on social media shows the man in a police uniform holding what appears to be a substance speculated to be “kush,” a dangerous drug currently impacting negatively among Sierra Leone’s youth.

The photo has sparked public concern, particularly due to the man’s apparent affiliation with the police force. Many express disappointment, highlighting the negative influence such an act could have and the damage it inflicts on the police department’s reputation.

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This arrest comes just a day after Inspector General William Fayia Sellu delivered a strong address on March 18th at the Sierra Leone Parliament. Sellu advocated for stricter measures to combat the proliferation of illicit drugs, particularly Kush.

During the committee meeting held on March 18, 2024, at committee room one in the Sierra Leone Parliament, Sellu underscored the urgent need for the government to establish a fast-track court dedicated to prosecuting drug traffickers swiftly and effectively.

Sellu articulated that the battle against Kush and other deleterious substances necessitates a multifaceted approach, with the judiciary playing a pivotal role. He emphasized that the establishment of a specialized court would expedite legal proceedings, ensuring that perpetrators are promptly brought to justice.

Sources say the OSD officer is now in police custody while awaiting disciplinary action. There are also speculations that he will be dismissed from the force.