By Nasratu Kargbo
With the alarming increase in the use and deadly effects of psychoactive substances called Kush, Members of Parliament have asked that importers of the harmful substance be tracked and punished for leaving most youths in a counter-productive state.
Speaking during the debate for the approval of some presidential nominees, the MPs on the 24th October 2023 called on the nominee appointed as the Executive Director of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Andrew Jaia Kai Kai to ensure that those that import the drug are arrested and punished.
Minority and Acting Leader of the Opposition Alfred Ayodele Thompson said: “I am begging you to focus on these importers, they cannot be left off the hook after two or three months of a crackdown, you need to make sure you get them out of this business”.
He said the police are doing nothing about the drastic intake and sales of the substance. The MP stated that the police conducted raids for some time but stopped a few months later, and asked the nominee to ensure that the police were consistent in order to discourage those taking the substance.
Thompson said that most young men and women consider smoking the substance as their safe haven. He said that the lives of many youths are at stake, emphasizing that the youths are the country’s future leaders.
“Go after the dealers, those that are bringing in these substances. They should be punished; they should be named and shamed in this country” MP Veronica Kadie Sesay said.
The MP representing Moyamba District said that a policy should be formulated in order to get justice for those taking the drug.
Speaking on the effect of the Kush, Sesay said that the youths are dying, explaining that many have incurred sores in their bodies as a result of the substance.
She however noted that even though she wants justice for those whose lives have been immensely affected by the intake, and that many have said that the dealers should be the ones punished, Sesay stated that she believes that those who take the drug should also be punished.
Sesay explained that they should not be pampered, but was quick to also say that their punishment can be by way of offering community service in the farms, stressing that if they leave them unpunished, they will continue taking the drug.
Leader of Government Business Mathew S. Nyuma asked that the youths be protected. He said those importing drugs in general should be targeted, stating that they are not above the law.
He said government believes the issue is becoming alarming and may warrant a state of emergency.
According to the MP, those taking the substance are victims who should not be incarcerated, but taken to a rehabilitation facility.
Other MPs were in agreement with their colleagues as they tapped their desks in agreement with the contributions made by the MPs for an end to the menace.
Parliament approved six nominees including Executive Director of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Andrew Jaia KaiKai, Director General and Deputy Director-General of Sierra Leone Ports Authority Yankuba Askia Bio and Judith B. Kosseh respectively and Deputy Commissioner of National Children Commission Henry Mustapha Sheku amongst other.
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