Cocaine/Kush consumption has sharply elevated throughout Sierra Leone – from city cities into rural communities. With susceptible youth and younger ladies drastically contain within the consumption of this dangerous medicine and substances. If this pattern continues, it’ll severely have an effect on the nation’s publish warfare/ebola/ COVID restoration productive labour pressure – thier well being . training, psychological and physiological standing.
This pattern should be stopped , because the nation’s foteign and worldwide picture is as soon as once more into sharp focus after a brutal civil warfare and the unfold of worldwide well being crises .
Beside the truth that this isn’t good for the nation’s picture, it’s completely destroying our individuals throughout intergenetions as effectively . The phenomenon must be handled with the utmost seriousness because it has implications for political and financial system stability , as effectively thr security and Secuity of the working class and excessive profiled personalities , reminiscent of politicians , civil society activists , and the media/ journalists .
And coming to consider it, rumors about individuals in greater locations and their connections maintain popping up. The place there’s smoke there’s undoubtedly fireplace. For example , in the previous few weeks in a major diplomatic incident , ambassador Alimmamy Bangura , Sierra Leone Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea has been recalled after Guinean authorities found seven(7) suitcases containing substances suspected to be cocaine in a automobile belonging to the Sierra Leone embassy. The automobile was impounded , and its occupants have been detained on suspicion of drug trafficking on January 13, 2025.
This week, a number of worldwide cable information and networks reminiscent of Aljazerra ,DW, Reuters , CNN, and so on have reported {that a} JOS Leijdekkers alias Jos Belle , one in all Europe’s most wished fugitives, convicted cocaine smuggler, has been situated in Sierra Leone. The stories signifies that Jos has been in Sierra Leone for almost six months now , underneath high- degree safety from state officers. Jos, who’s a Dutch , was sentenced in absential to 24 years of jail on June 25 by a Rotterdam court docket for smuggling greater than 7 tonmes of cocaine .
Externally , Sierra Leone is more and more categorized as an working or transit level for medicine trafficking to North American , and more and more, East and South East Asian markets . Resaerch additionally means that Freetown has turn into a major hub for drug trafficking operations, notably by way of maritime routes .In current months , there are rising indicators of cocaine commerce in west Africa , with Sierra Leone serving as main transit level to different neigbouring states reminiscent of lLiberia , Guinea, Senegal and Guinea Bissau. The current occasions surrounding our beloved nation – Sierra Leone, underscores the persistent problem of drug trafficking in West Africa . The area has lengthy been a transit level for narcotics , notably cocaine originating from Latin America en path to Europe . The United Nations Workplace on Medicine and Crime( UNODC) estimates that least 50 tonnes of cocaine transit by way of West Africa yearly, with a road worth approaching $ 2 billion United States {dollars} in European market ( 2008).In sum, the battle towards transnational organized crime and thier prison networks wants our collective nationwide motion . We Ought to be seen unanimously condemning this act, and suggesting methods to repair it , by involving all residents from all works of life !
And relationship between elevated use of dangerous medicine , substance abuse and pattern in homicide , assassination and manslaughter, rape , must be interrogated and effectively researched.
A non- partisan strategy will likely be required , facilitated by the Authorities of Sierra Leone . The regulation enforcement , intelligence providers, and prison justice system must be accountable in addition to strengthened to deal with the scourge of drug trafficking enroute Sierra Leone.Worldwide cooperation stays essential in addressing the drug trafficking menace in Sierra Leone and throughout West Africa . Collaborative efforts between Africa nations, worldwide organisations , and international governments are important to dismantle trafficking networks, improve border safety, and promote socio- financial growth to cut back the attract of illicit actions.
Additional extra , Significance for the GOSL to hunt the help of the worldwide Legal Police Group (INTERPOL) and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation ( AFRIPOL) to assist their investigation and potential prosecution efforts . There’s a want for a clear and thorough investigation into the abuse of diplomatic privileges, particularly Guinea . Extreme punishment to individuals recognized to be concerned with each the Guinea unlawful medicine and exploited diplomacy and the case of alleged identification of European cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers in Sierra Leone , would function a deterrent .
In sum , there’s pressing want for sturdy nationwide and regional methods , strengthened establishments, and worldwide collaboration to fight this persistent menace and scourge of drug abuse in Sierra Leone , and trafficking in West Africa.
Utilizing INTERPOL ‘s world prison database and AFRIPOL , Sierra Leone regulation enforcement companies , notably the Sierra Leone Police( SLP) , they will successfully collaborate to find , intercept and cease criminals working throughout borders within the area .
– Sandy is a nationwide and worldwide safety skilled with RCGPI#JPJSandy- Worldwide Secuity consulting Skilled@RCGSPI .
