By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a decisive move to curb the growing menace of drug and substance abuse, particularly the widespread consumption of Kush, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has announced a series of far-reaching measures designed to strengthen Sierra Leone’s national response. The announcement came during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at State House convened to review the one-year report of the National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse.
Addressing Ministers, security chiefs, justice sector leaders and representatives from Civil Society, President Bio described the Kush epidemic as “one of the gravest threats to Sierra Leone’s social stability, public health and national security.” He said the country’s efforts so far, coupled with the challenges ahead, should “deepen our resolve against the scourge of Kush and all forms of drug and substance abuse.”
“We are confronted with a profound national urgency,” the President declared. “The time has come for every institution and every citizen to stand united in this fight.”
President Bio outlined five major measures aimed at accelerating national action against Kush:
- Establishment of a Special Fund:
A dedicated Special Fund will be created to support the five pillars of the national anti-Kush campaign ; Prevention, Care and Treatment, Social Support, Law Enforcement and Community Engagement. The Fund will ensure a consistent and sustainable flow of resources for implementation across Ministries, Agencies and communities. - Creation of a Special Court:
A Special Court will be established to handle drug and substance abuse cases exclusively. It will be staffed with designated Judges and Magistrates to fast-track prosecutions, ensuring swift justice and reinforcing the rule of law against drug traffickers and dealers. - Formation of a Special Security Unit:
A joint Special Security Unit will be formed, combining personnel from the Operational Support Division (OSD) of the Sierra Leone Police and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The unit will intensify nationwide raids on drug peddling hotspots, dismantle criminal networks and conduct immediate arrests. - Issuance of a New Practice Direction:
The Honourable Chief Justice will issue a new Practice Direction to guide judicial proceedings and sentencing in drug-related cases, ensuring consistency, fairness and strict penalties across the justice system. - Comprehensive Legislative Review and Asset Seizures:
The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice has been directed to fast-track the review of all laws related to drug and substance abuse. The review will introduce stronger penalties, tighter enforcement mechanisms and asset seizure provisions to disrupt and dismantle the financial networks supporting the illegal drug trade.
In a stern warning to corrupt public officers, President Bio stated unequivocally that any official found aiding or colluding with drug traffickers would face severe consequences.
“Any public official, whether at the police, airport, seaport or border, found colluding with traffickers will face the full force of the law. No sacred cows!” he declared.
The President emphasized that defeating the Kush scourge requires a collective national effort that goes beyond Government action. He called on all sectors of society, parents, teachers, religious leaders, communities and the private sector to play active roles.
“Parents must recognize the warning signs and act early; teachers must watch attentively over our students; communities must protect one another; religious leaders must promote healing, not stigma and businesses should open doors to recovering addicts,” he said.
“Every Sierra Leonean must declare: ‘Not in our country, not in our communities, not in our homes and not on our streets.’”
President Bio expressed deep sympathy to families who have lost loved ones to drug abuse and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to expanding rehabilitation and social support services for victims.
“Our collective efforts must bring hope, comfort and restoration to every affected family and community,” he said. “Together, we will overcome. Together, we will build a healthier, safer and brighter Sierra Leone for all.”
The meeting featured a touching testimony from Michael Tamba Komba, a former RSLAF footballer who once played for a Liberian club. Michael Tamba Komba revealed that he began using Kush in 2016 but has since been rehabilitated through Government intervention. He now leads a youth-focused outreach initiative, Kick Start, which helps young people recover from drug and substance abuse.
President Bio’s declaration marks a significant escalation in Sierra Leone’s national strategy against Kush, underscoring his administration’s commitment to protecting public health, enforcing the law and restoring dignity and hope to communities ravaged by addiction.
