By Kadiatu A Turay

Andrew Jaia Kai Kai, Executive Director of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency—what is he really doing?

Drug trafficking has become a significant challenge for Sierra Leone, threatening national security, public health, and socio-economic development. While the country is not a major producer of illicit drugs, its strategic location along the West African coast has made it a transit hub for drug cartels smuggling narcotics between South America, Europe, and other parts of Africa. The increase in drug-related activities has raised concerns among government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations.

This article delves into the rising drug trafficking problem in Sierra Leone, the impact on communities, the challenges in combating the menace, and the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the crisis.

The Growing Problem of Drug Trafficking.

Sierra Leone has witnessed an alarming rise in drug trafficking cases, with cocaine, heroin, and cannabis being the most commonly smuggled substances. In recent years, authorities have intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs, pointing to the increasing involvement of international cartels.

In 2022, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) intercepted a shipment of cocaine worth over $150 million at Lungi International Airport. This was one of the biggest drug busts in the country’s history. According to a senior officer at TOCU, “Drug traffickers are becoming more sophisticated, and we need stronger intelligence and collaboration to stop them.”

Factors Fueling Drug Trafficking.

Several factors contribute to the growing drug trade in Sierra Leone:

Porous Borders and Weak Law Enforcement.  Sierra Leone’s vast and poorly monitored borders make it easy for traffickers to smuggle drugs into the country. Many checkpoints lack proper screening technology, allowing traffickers to operate with minimal risk.

Corruption in Law Enforcement.

Some law enforcement officials have been accused of taking bribes from traffickers, weakening efforts to curb the trade. A civil society activist, speaking anonymously, stated, “Corruption is a major enabler of drug trafficking in Sierra Leone. When law enforcement officers are compromised, the entire system is vulnerable.”

High Unemployment Rate. Youth unemployment in Sierra Leone stands at over 60%, making many young people susceptible to recruitment by drug cartels as couriers or street dealers.

Increased Global Drug Trade.

West Africa has become a key transit point for cocaine shipments from Latin America to Europe. Sierra Leone, with its underdeveloped surveillance systems, is a prime target for traffickers.

Impact on Society.

The consequences of drug trafficking in Sierra Leone are far-reaching, affecting various aspects of society:

Rise in Drug Abuse.

The influx of drugs has led to increased substance abuse among young people. “We are seeing a disturbing rise in drug addiction, especially among the youth,” said Dr. Foday Sesay, a psychiatrist at a rehabilitation center in Freetown. “Many of them are getting hooked on synthetic drugs like Kush, which is destroying lives.”

Increase in Crime Rates. Drug-related crimes, including robbery and violent gang activities, have surged. Many young people, under the influence of drugs, engage in criminal activities to sustain their addiction.

Health and Social Consequences. Drug addiction is leading to increased cases of mental health disorders, sexually transmitted infections, and other health complications. Families are being torn apart as addiction leads to broken homes and economic hardships.

Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking.

The government of Sierra Leone, along with international partners, has taken several steps to address drug trafficking:

Strengthening Law Enforcement. The Sierra Leone Police have intensified efforts to intercept drug shipments and dismantle trafficking networks. In 2023, the government established a special anti-narcotics task force to enhance intelligence gathering and border security.

Legislative Reforms.  The government has enacted stricter drug laws to enhance prosecution and sentencing of drug traffickers. However, enforcement remains a challenge due to legal loopholes and judicial inefficiencies.

Public Awareness Campaigns. Civil society organizations and the media are playing a crucial role in educating communities about the dangers of drug abuse. “We need to change the mindset of our youth and make them understand that drugs will ruin their future,” said Mohamed Kamara, a youth activist in Freetown.

International Collaboration. Sierra Leone is working with regional and international organizations, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to strengthen its anti-trafficking measures.

Challenges in the Fight Against Drug Trafficking.

Despite ongoing efforts, several challenges hinder the fight against drug trafficking in Sierra Leone:

Limited Resources Law enforcement agencies lack the necessary funding, personnel, and advanced technology to effectively combat drug cartels.

Judicial Weaknesses: Many drug-related cases take years to be prosecuted, allowing traffickers to escape justice.

Socio-Economic Vulnerability Poverty and unemployment continue to push young people into drug related activities.

International Influence. The involvement of powerful foreign cartels makes it difficult for local authorities to dismantle trafficking networks.

The Way Forward.

To effectively combat drug trafficking in Sierra Leone, a multi-stakeholder approach is needed. The government, civil society, religious leaders, international partners, and local communities must collaborate to:

Enhance Border Security Investing in modern surveillance technology at land and sea borders will help curb drug smuggling.

Increase Funding for Law Enforcement. The government must allocate more resources to anti-drug agencies to improve their effectiveness.

Strengthening the Judicial System Ensuring swift    prosecution of traffickers and eliminating corruption in the judiciary will enhance deterrence.

Expand Rehabilitation Programs. More drug rehabilitation centers should be established to help victims recover and reintegrate into society.

Create Employment Opportunities Addressing youth unemployment through skills training and entrepreneurship programs will reduce vulnerability to drug trafficking.

Drug trafficking in Sierra Leone is a growing crisis that requires urgent action. While efforts have been made to combat the trade, more needs to be done to strengthen law enforcement, improve border security, and provide economic alternatives for vulnerable groups. The fight against drug trafficking is not just a government responsibility it requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. As one police officer put it, “If we do not act decisively now, we risk losing an entire generation to drugs.”

With a united front, Sierra Leone can overcome the drug trafficking menace and safeguard its future.