The Head of the Special Security Unit (SSU), Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, has reported significant progress in the government’s ongoing crackdown on Kush and other illicit drugs, describing the operation as a decisive step in President Julius Maada Bio’s national campaign against drug and substance abuse.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press conference held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, Mr. Kaikai outlined the achievements and challenges of the Unit since it began operations less than two weeks ago.

According to Mr. Kaikai, the Special Security Unit officially commenced operations on October 25, 2025, with a force of more than 200 personnel including 86 police officers from the Operational Support Division (OSD), 95 military officers, and representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Office of National Security (ONS).

In just over a week, the Unit conducted coordinated raids on more than 90 identified drug hotspots across the Western, Eastern, and Central parts of Freetown, leading to the arrest of 46 suspects 28 males and 18 females. The operations also resulted in the seizure of 3,073 wraps of Kush and 63 wraps of a newly discovered substance known as “Ash.”

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Mr. Kaikai revealed growing concern over the spread of new and dangerous substances. “We have identified a new drug called Ash, which is rapidly gaining popularity among young people,” he said. He also warned about the increasing abuse of Tramadol, noting that authorities have intercepted versions of the drug far exceeding the standard medical dosage. “We have seen Tramadol with potency levels up to 500 mg far above the approved 225 mg,” he added.

Mr. Kaikai emphasized that the Special Security Unit’s mandate extends beyond arrests and seizures. “Our focus is on dismantling supply chains from importers and manufacturers to street-level peddlers while also engaging victims through community outreach and rehabilitation efforts,” he explained. The Unit, he said, is working closely with the Ministry of Social Welfare and community partners to ensure that drug users are not criminalized but supported toward recovery and reintegration.

Mr. Kaikai praised citizens for their growing cooperation and involvement in the anti-drug campaign. “There is a huge appetite and growing public determination to win the war against drugs,” he said. “We are seeing increasing collaboration from religious leaders, parents, and community members who are taking ownership of this national fight.” He encouraged the public to continue supporting security operations by reporting drug-related activities through the 117 national emergency hotlines, assuring that all reports will be handled confidentially and with full anonymity.

The formation of the Special Security Unit is part of President Bio’s comprehensive national strategy to combat drug abuse, particularly the widespread use of Kush, which has devastated many young lives across Sierra Leone. As operations intensify, the SSU’s early results signal renewed hope in the national effort to restore safety, health, and stability in communities affected by drug addiction. “This is not just a security operation it’s a fight for the future of our youth. Together, we can reclaim our streets, our communities, and our nation from the grip of drugs.” he concluded.