By Julius Mustapha Harding
During the committee meeting held on March 18, 2024, at committee room one in the Sierra Leone Parliament, William Fayia Sellu, the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, delivered a compelling address, advocating for stringent measures to counter the proliferation of illicit drugs, particularly Kush, within the nation.
Sellu underscored the urgent need for the government to establish a fast-track court dedicated to prosecuting drug traffickers swiftly and effectively.
Sellu articulated that the battle against Kush and other deleterious substances necessitates a multifaceted approach, with the judiciary playing a pivotal role. 
He emphasized that the establishment of a specialized court would expedite legal proceedings, ensuring that perpetrators are promptly brought to justice.
“To succeed in the fight against Kush and other harmful drugs in the country, the government should establish a fast-track court where drug traffickers will be tried and sent to prison,” Sellu affirmed before the parliamentary committee.
During his address, Sellu shed light on the intricate web of drug trafficking networks infiltrating Sierra Leone, highlighting the importation of chemicals used in the production of Kush as a grave concern. “Most of the chemicals that are being used to process one of the most lethal drugs, Kush, are being imported into the country,” Sellu disclosed.
He further elucidated that these illicit substances often enter the nation through various entry points, including the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) and airports.
Sellu sounded the alarm on the laxity in screening procedures for outbound cargo, asserting that enhanced scrutiny is imperative to stem the tide of drug smuggling. “Containers leaving the port should undergo one hundred percent thorough screening to ensure that no harmful drugs are concealed within,” Sellu emphasized, advocating for stringent measures to fortify border security and curb illicit trafficking activities.
The Inspector General’s impassioned plea resonated deeply with parliamentary members, who expressed unanimous support for bolstering the nation’s anti-drug efforts. Several legislators commended Sellu for his unwavering commitment to combating the scourge of narcotics and pledged to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to enact robust legislation aimed at deterring drug-related offenses.
