Cocaine/Kush intake has sharply increased across Sierra Leone – from urban cities into rural communities. With vulnerable youth and young girls greatly involve in the consumption of this harmful drugs and substances. If this trend continues, it will severely affect the country’s post war/ebola/ COVID recovery productive labour force – thier health . education, mental and physiological status.
This trend must be stopped , as the country’s foteign and international image is once again into sharp focus after a brutal civil war and the spread of global health crises .
Beside the fact that this is not good for the country’s image, it is absolutely destroying our people across intergenetions as well . The phenomenon needs to be treated with the utmost seriousness as it has implications for political and economy stability , as well thr safety and Secuity of the working class and high profiled personalities , such as politicians , civil society activists , and the media/ journalists .
And coming to think about it, rumors about people in higher places and their connections keep popping up. Where there is smoke there is definitely fire. For instance , in the last few weeks in a significant diplomatic incident , ambassador Alimmamy Bangura , Sierra Leone Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea has been recalled after Guinean authorities discovered seven(7) suitcases containing substances suspected to be cocaine in a vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone embassy. The car was impounded , and its occupants were detained on suspicion of drug trafficking on January 13, 2025.
This week, several international cable news and networks such as Aljazerra ,DW, Reuters , CNN, etc have reported that a JOS Leijdekkers alias Jos Belle , one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, convicted cocaine smuggler, has been located in Sierra Leone. The reports indicates that Jos has been in Sierra Leone for nearly six months now , under high- level protection from state officials. Jos, who is a Dutch , was sentenced in absential to 24 years of prison on June 25 by a Rotterdam court for smuggling more than 7 tonmes of cocaine .
Externally , Sierra Leone is increasingly classified as an operating or transit point for drugs trafficking to North American , and increasingly, East and South East Asian markets . Resaerch also suggests that Freetown has become a primary hub for drug trafficking operations, particularly through maritime routes .
In recent months , there are increasing signs of cocaine trade in west Africa , with Sierra Leone serving as major transit point to other neigbouring states such as lLiberia , Guinea, Senegal and Guinea Bissau. The recent events surrounding our beloved country – Sierra Leone, underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking in West Africa . The region has long been a transit point for narcotics , particularly cocaine originating from Latin America en route to Europe . The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime( UNODC) estimates that least 50 tonnes of cocaine transit through West Africa annually, with a street value approaching $ 2 billion United States dollars in European market ( 2008).
In sum, the fight against transnational organized crime and thier criminal networks needs our collective national action . We Should be seen unanimously condemning this act, and suggesting ways to fix it , by involving all citizens from all works of life !
And relationship between increased use of harmful drugs , substance abuse and trend in murder , assassination and manslaughter, rape , need to be interrogated and well researched.
A non- partisan approach will be required , facilitated by the Government of Sierra Leone . The law enforcement , intelligence services, and criminal justice system need to be accountable as well as strengthened to tackle the scourge of drug trafficking enroute Sierra Leone.
International cooperation remains crucial in addressing the drug trafficking menace in Sierra Leone and across West Africa . Collaborative efforts between Africa nations, international organisations , and foreign governments are essential to dismantle trafficking networks, enhance border security, and promote socio- economic development to reduce the allure of illicit activities.
Further more , Importance for the GOSL to seek the assistance of the international Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation ( AFRIPOL) to support their investigation and potential prosecution efforts . There is a need for a transparent and thorough investigation into the abuse of diplomatic privileges, especially Guinea . Severe punishment to persons identified to be involved with both the Guinea illegal drugs and exploited diplomacy and the case of alleged identification of European cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers in Sierra Leone , would serve as a deterrent .
In sum , there is urgent need for robust national and regional strategies , strengthened institutions, and international collaboration to combat this persistent threat and scourge of drug abuse in Sierra Leone , and trafficking in West Africa.
Using INTERPOL ‘s global criminal database and AFRIPOL , Sierra Leone law enforcement agencies , particularly the Sierra Leone Police( SLP) , they can effectively collaborate to locate , intercept and stop criminals operating across borders in the region .
– Sandy is a national and international security expert with RCGPI
#JPJSandy- International Secuity consulting Expert@RCGSPI .
