By Ishmail Saidu Kanu
President Julius Maada Bio has unveiled the creation of a Special Court to fast-track drug-related cases as part of a new set of measures to combat the growing Kush epidemic in Sierra Leone.
The declaration came during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at State House, convened to review the one-year report of the National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse.
President Bio said the Special Court will be staffed by designated judges and magistrates to ensure swift and fair justice, demonstrating that the rule of law stands firmly against traffickers and peddlers.
Addressing ministers, security chiefs, justice officials, and civil society representatives, President Bio described the Kush crisis as one of the gravest threats to Sierra Leone’s social stability, public health, and national security.
He noted that the presentations from various stakeholders showed a profound national urgency that demands stronger and faster action.
In his address, President Bio outlined decisive measures to strengthen the national response, including the establishment of a Special Fund to support prevention, treatment, social support, law enforcement, and community engagement; the formation of a Special Security Unit made up of police and military officers to raid drug hotspots; the issuance of a new Practice Direction by the Chief Justice to guide sentencing in drug cases; and the introduction of legislative reforms to impose tougher penalties and enable asset seizures from traffickers.
President Bio warned that no public official found aiding or colluding with drug traffickers would be spared, stating firmly, “Any public official found colluding with traffickers will face the full force of the law. No sacred cows!”
He called for unity and shared responsibility in the fight against the Kush epidemic, urging parents, teachers, community leaders, and religious figures to work together to protect young people from drug abuse.
The President also expressed deep sympathy for families who have lost loved ones to drugs and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding care and treatment services.
The event featured a moving testimony from Michael Tamba Komba, a former RSLAF footballer, who shared his recovery journey after battling drug addiction.
He thanked the government for supporting his rehabilitation and spoke about his charity, Kick Start, which helps young people recover from substance abuse.
President Bio concluded by saying that Sierra Leone’s collective efforts must bring hope, comfort, and restoration to every affected family and community.
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