By: Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
Parliament in Sierra Leone has summoned the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, following the recent wave of drug-related violence and the proliferation of the drug trade, particularly the smoking of “kush” in the country.The call has raised several critical opinions and concerns regarding the effectiveness of law enforcement authorities in curbing drug-related crimes.
Kush is a highly potent form of marijuana that has become a significant problem in Sierra Leone. The drug trade is prevalent, especially in urban areas, and has sparked an increase in violence, criminal activities, and other social disruptions. The government has struggled to contain the drug’s spread, which has led to calls for stronger measures to be taken.
One of the concerns is the alleged corruption within law enforcement authorities, which may have enabled drug traffickers to operate without the fear of being caught and punished. The Inspector-General of police is also accused of a lack of action, either due to their inability to implement effective strategies or a lack of political will to tackle the issue.
Parliamentary summoning of the Inspector General of Police is seen as a way of holding law enforcement agencies accountable, by providing an opportunity to scrutinize their role in providing security in the country and ensuring that drugs and other criminal activities are curtailed. This is particularly essential because many lives are lost as a result of drug violence, and it is essential that law enforcement agencies take a pro-active approach to addressing it.
The police force has a moral obligation to enforce existing drug laws, as well as develop new strategies to tackle the challenges posed by the drug trade. This includes intelligence-gathering, beefing up resources and technology, and improving the welfare of police officers, which is essential in boosting their morale.
The Parliament’s summoning of the Inspector General of Police is necessary, given the severity of the drug problem in Sierra Leone. However, there is a need for a holistic approach to tackling the issue, which involves addressing the root causes of drug trade, reforming law enforcement authorities, enhancing community partnerships, and adopting an evidence-based policy. Ultimately, sustained action and cooperation from various stakeholders are essential in addressing drug-related concerns, including the smoking of Kush, in Sierra Leone.
