By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Dakar has expressed grave concerns following the arrest of five Sierra Leoneans at the Port of Dakar for possession of Kush, a banned substance. This prompted an urgent engagement on Monday, January 20, 2025, between the embassy and the port’s executive members to address the issue.
Speaking during the meeting, His Excellency Ambassador Ibrahim Turay made it clear that the embassy condemns any involvement in drug and substance abuse. He urged Sierra Leoneans residing in Senegal to remain vigilant, report illegal activities, and adhere to Senegalese laws.
“We have earned a remarkable reputation as a nation and are respected globally. We should not allow anyone to tarnish that hard-earned image. The respect we enjoy from our host country must not be polluted,” Ambassador Turay emphasiSed.
Ebenezer George, the newly elected Chairman of the Sierra Leone Port Workers, recounted the events leading to the arrests. He revealed that the five individuals were apprehended after visiting a restricted area monitored by CCTV. The footage captured their activities, prompting a swift police operation. While one of the arrested individuals was sentenced to six months in prison, the other four were released.
This account was corroborated by embassy officials who engaged with the Customs Division and Gendarmerie Commandants. According to the Gendarmerie Commander, the arrests occurred on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Autonome de Dakar Mole 1. He also expressed concerns about certain Sierra Leoneans forming gangs within the port precincts, creating public order issues.
During the meeting, Kelfala B. Samura, President of the Sierra Leone National Union, announced plans to establish a task force on Kush. This task force will focus on public education within local communities and collaborate with authorities to prosecute individuals involved in drug-related offenses.
The new port executive pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to curb drug abuse and restore order within the port area.
Ambassador Turay’s firm stance against drug and substance abuse has been widely praised, with stakeholders pledging their support in ensuring Sierra Leoneans in Dakar uphold the country’s reputation and abide by the laws of their host nation.
