By Nasratu Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Police is investigating five suspects over the discovery of Raw materials and accessories used in the making of the narcotic drug named Kush in a container at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Cline town in Freetown. Police Director of Crime Services AIG William Fayia Sellu spoke about the discovery during a Police briefing of the media last Thursday. 41 sachets of mashed mallow plant, 3 liters of acetone liquid and 19 electronic scales were found during the normal inspection of containers at the port. The scales are used in the weighing of the drug.
The officer said on the 6th and the 9th August 2021, a team of Police officers, officials from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and customs personnel found the items in the container. He confirmed that the items can be used to manufacture kush. AIG Sellu said mallow is a plant that cannot be cultivated in Africa except Europe, and when mixed with acetone liquid in a laboratory, can produce kush. He said five people have been arrested and are currently helping the Police with investigations.
He also recalled that on the 30th July 2021, 17 bundles of cannabis sativa weighing 213 kg were discovered. He confirmed the substance was taken to the Police toxicology laboratory which confirmed the substance to be cannabis.
Sellu said the prevalence of kush and trafficking of other drugs into the country is a cause for concern. He spoke about a collaborative effort involving the Police, Office of National Security and other stakeholders whom he said are determined to stop the supply chain. An official from ONS Karim Will stated that the country will not be a safe place for miscreants who engage in these illegal acts and warned all those involved or contemplating doing so, to desist.
The Inspector General of Police, Ambrose Michael Sovula warned drug dealers to stop and said proactive policing will be at its peak.
He said there are different types of people both good and bad and advised the latter to change their ways, affirming that with the new proactive methods, those who do not desist and are found wanting for unlawful activities, not just drug dealing, will be charged to court without hesitation. “The moves and trials to undermine national peace are unacceptable and anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law. No investor would invest his or her money in a country believed to be not business friendly”, said the Police chief.
He condemned the daily negative social media comments, which he said have the tendency to scare foreign investors away and encouraged citizens to embrace the country as their only home.
Copyright © Politico Online (16/08/21)
