In the aftermath of a synthetic drug popular with young people, the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio said that drug abuse in the country was a “national emergency”, outlining plans to combat the popularity.
A mixture of chemical substances known as Kush, with similar effects to cannabis, has been prevalent in the country for several years.
While addressing the nation on Thursday, Maada Bio said, “It is my solemn duty as president to declare a national emergency on drug abuse.”
“Our country is currently facing an existential threat due to the devastating impact of drugs and drug addiction, in particular the devastating synthetic drug kush,” he added.
Bio also said his government was working to take down drug trafficking networks.
Vanguard newspaper reported that a task force including government agencies and NGOs has been made responsible for prevention, treatment, social services support, law enforcement and community engagement.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Joseph Lahai confirmed that Police seized two containers in the capital of Freetown that were filled with kush on Thursday.
He said seven suspects were taken into custody after the seizure.
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