By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a significant move against drug trafficking in Sierra Leone, ten correctional service officers have been arrested and detained pending investigation for alleged involvement in dealing kush.
The arrests occurred amidst extensive police operations targeting drug cartels nationwide, responding to the concerning surge in kush consumption across the country.
According to authorities, eight of the suspects were apprehended in Freetown, with the remaining two arrested in provinces outside the capital.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. John Martin Senesie, Director of Operations at the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), emphasized the importance of community involvement in eradicating kush trafficking. He warned police officers against unauthorized visits to areas known for drug activities, cautioning them of potential arrest and prosecution if found associating with drug peddlers.
Echoing ACP Senesie’s sentiments, Commissioner of Police Joseph Lahai, Director of Crime Services, stressed the collective responsibility in combating the kush menace, urging active participation from all sectors of society.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Sahr Yomba Senesie, Director of Professional Standards, underscored the necessity of discipline within organizations. AIG Senesie affirmed the commitment to impartial enforcement, assuring that individuals implicated in kush-related offenses or any other crimes would face legal consequences.
These revelations were disclosed during a routine police press briefing held at the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters on George Street, Freetown, on March 20th, 2024.
The crackdown on drug-related activities reflects ongoing efforts to address mental health challenges exacerbated by substance abuse in Sierra Leone, as highlighted by healthcare experts in previous assessments. SKS/24/3/2024