By Hassan Osman Kargbo
President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to combating the growing drug menace in Sierra Leone during a visit to the Kush Rehabilitation Centre at the Police Training School in Hastings. The visit, which brought national attention to the government’s intensified anti-drug campaign, saw the President interacting with dozens of young people currently undergoing rehabilitation from Kush and other harmful substances.
The President’s visit comes at a time when the country continues to grapple with a worsening drug crisis that has devastated communities and destroyed the lives of many young Sierra Leoneans. The rehabilitation program, hosted by the Sierra Leone Police with support from the Ministry of Social Welfare and other partners, currently provides treatment, counseling, and skills training for nearly 100 victims of drug addiction.
Addressing the recovering victims, President Bio expressed deep empathy for their struggles and encouraged them to view their recovery journey as an opportunity for renewal and leadership. He urged them to return to their communities as advocates of change once they complete their rehabilitation, using their personal experiences to discourage others from engaging in drug abuse.
“You have been given a second chance,” President Bio said. “When you return home, be examples to others. Use your stories to inspire young people to stay away from Kush and other dangerous drugs. You are not just recovering victims; you are now ambassadors of change.”
The President emphasized that the fight against drug abuse must be collective, calling on families, religious leaders, community elders, and the general public to play active roles in ending the crisis. “The fight against drugs is a collective responsibility,” he stressed. “It cannot be won by the government alone. Every Sierra Leonean must take part in this national effort to save our youth and protect our country’s future.”
To reinforce enforcement and ensure community safety, President Bio disclosed that he has instructed the Inspector General of Police to collaborate with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in conducting joint operations targeting ghettos and criminal hideouts linked to drug activities. He clarified that the military personnel involved in these operations will not be armed but will provide logistical and operational support to the police.
“This initiative is not about punishment,” he explained. “It is about discipline, safety, and community protection. We must reclaim our neighbourhoods from drugs and criminal influences that continue to destroy lives.”
President Bio’s visit to the rehabilitation centre also highlighted his administration’s ongoing commitment to the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse, which was established earlier this year to coordinate national efforts against the spread of Kush. The task force brings together security agencies, health institutions, social workers, and civil society groups in a unified strategy to reduce drug-related harm and restore hope among affected families.
While touring the facilities, President Bio commended the staff and volunteers for their dedication to saving lives. He reaffirmed his government’s support to expand rehabilitation programs and improve access to mental health and recovery services across the country.
“We will continue to stand by you,” he assured the staff and beneficiaries. “Our goal is not just to arrest drug dealers but to rescue victims, rebuild communities, and secure a brighter future for our young people.”
The visit ended with prayers and words of encouragement from community leaders and medical staff, who thanked the President for his personal involvement in the fight against Kush.
President Bio’s visit to the Hastings Rehabilitation Centre stands as a powerful signal of his administration’s determination to end Sierra Leone’s drug crisis through compassion, collaboration, and sustained national action.
