The Special National Town Hall Engagement on the fight against Kush held on 2nd April 2024 was marked by significant announcements and commitments from various government officials and stakeholders. Here are the key highlights:

♦️ *Strong Message from the Vice President:* Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized strict measures against Kush, stating that no bail would be granted to anyone arrested with the substance, regardless of legal representation.

♦️ *Dedicated Magistrates for Drug-Related Matters:* The Vice President also disclosed that two magistrates have been assigned exclusively to handle drug-related cases to ensure timely justice delivery.

♦️ *Establishment of a National Task Force:* Vice President Jalloh announced the establishment of a National Task Force on drug and substance abuse, on the instructions of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The task Force will bring stakeholders across the country and in the diaspora together to contribute to the fight against drug abuse.

♦️ *Focus on Supply Chain Disruption:* The Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Andrew Jaia Kakai, stressed the importance of targeting importers and manufacturers to cut off the supply chain, adding that the Feed Salone Project relies on young people, therefore the government must ensure all mechanisms are put in place to eradicate Kush.

♦️ *Government Initiatives:* Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, said the government has shown commitment by allocating funds for community sensitization drives, establishing the first Government Rehab Center, and providing support for rehabilitation efforts. She revealed that the rehab center provides three meals per day for all admitted Kush victims and since its establishment, a good number of victims have been rehabilitated.

♦️ *Health Concerns:* The Minister of Health highlighted the dangers of locally manufactured Kush and pledged medical support for victims, urging collaboration in disrupting the supply chain. Dr. Austin Demby informed the public that most of the Kush consumed in Sierra Leone is locally manufactured with a combination of various chemicals and medications, making it very potent, with the potential to cause bodily harm.

♦️ *Grassroots Approach:* The Minister of Youth, Orman Bangura, talked about the grassroots approach to addressing drug abuse and proposed involving District Youth Councils in advocacy efforts to discourage drug use among youths. He also disclosed that the current market price of kush is soaring due to the robust action of the government to clamp down on importers and distributors.

♦️ *Law Enforcement Efforts:* The Minister of Internal Affairs reported on successful arrests and prosecutions related to Kush, with a decrease in arrests indicating progress. Major-General David T.O Taluva said that they have been arresting 80 to 90 people per week since they launched their anti-drug operation but in recent weeks, the number has reduced to 20 per week. According to him, this is an indication that the efforts of the police to clamp down on kush importers are paying dividends. He assured the public that they were not putting their guard down.

♦️ *Police Operations:* The Inspector General of Police outlined intensified operations under the National Drug Control Act, emphasizing harsh penalties for offenders. IGP Fayia Sellu said they have stepped up the use of the National Drug Control Act 2008 to pursue drug dealers. He said the Act makes provision for the seizure of property and life imprisonment with a minimum sentence of 4 to 5 years. The IGP revealed that a search was done on a 40ft container that contained 90 packs of Marshmallows, an ingredient for the manufacture of Kush. He said the owner of the container, one Umaru Kargbo has been identified and 7 people who went to receive the consignment were arrested and currently waiting for trial. He added that two police officers are also facing trial for the possession of kush.

♦️ *Legal Reforms:* The Attorney General, Justice Mohamed Tarawallie, assured focused prosecution on importers, manufacturers, and distributors, with legislative reforms to enhance enforcement and to effectively prosecute Drug importers.

♦️ *Depoliticization:* Opposition and government representatives called for bipartisan support and legislative reforms to tackle Kush effectively. The Leader of the Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo and the Deputy Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Sidikie called on everyone to depoliticize the fight against Kush and registered Parliament’s commitment to support legislative reforms to enhance the fight against Kush.

♦️ *Support from Stakeholders:* Religious leaders, paramount chiefs, journalists, survivors, civil society organizations, and various groups pledged their support for government efforts to combat Kush and called on the government to focus on importers to ensure the supply chain is disrupted.

The town hall demonstrated a coordinated effort involving multiple sectors to address the Kush crisis, emphasizing enforcement, rehabilitation, and community engagement strategies.

*©️ MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION*

 Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Thursday, April 11th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)