Bio Urges Security Forces to Intensify Crackdown on Kush Dealers
By VOS Writer
President Julius Maada Bio has called on Sierra Leone’s security forces to scale up efforts against kush dealers and distributors, describing the country’s synthetic drug crisis as a national emergency requiring collective action.
Speaking during a visit to the PMTS Rehabilitation Centre in Hastings, where over 100 young people are currently receiving treatment, President Bio expressed deep compassion for affected victims and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to tackling the drug scourge.
“With empathy and determination, the President listened to their stories, encouraged their recovery, and reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting every Sierra Leonean affected by the kush crisis,” the State House statement noted.
Bio warned that kush abuse is threatening the nation’s future, stressing the need for coordinated intervention from government agencies, communities, families, civil society, and international partners.
“If you destroy your future now, there will be no one to develop Sierra Leone. We want you to become better citizens than us, and that’s why we are breaking the supply chain of these harmful drugs,” he told victims.
The President condemned individuals, including parents, involved in the drug trade, calling it a betrayal of their responsibilities.
“It saddens me to learn that some parents are selling kush. I urge them to stop immediately and find a dignified way to earn a living,” he said.
Bio highlighted the government’s rehabilitation efforts, noting that facilities have been established in Hastings, Gondama (Bo), and Daru (Kailahun), with another planned for Teko (Makeni). He further directed the police and judiciary to take stronger action against drug traffickers and suppliers.
During the visit, several families shared stories of hardship and recovery. One mother recounted being imprisoned for eight months after her kush-addicted son stole money from a drug dealer.
“That woman suffered double jeopardy — punished for her son’s addiction and for her poverty. That was wrong,” President Bio lamented.
Success stories were also shared, including that of a recovering victim now serving as an anti-drug ambassador, who credited her rehabilitation at the Hastings centre for restoring her life and helping her return to university.
Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, praised the President’s leadership, noting that military support at the facility has helped reduce escape attempts. She added that family tracing initiatives are ongoing to reintegrate victims into their homes.
President Bio’s visit reinforced his administration’s stance that no citizen will be abandoned in the fight against substance abuse. Rehabilitation, reintegration, and restoring hope remain central pillars of the national strategy
