In a compelling address to Members of Parliament, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, underscored the imperative for a comprehensive strategy in combatting drug abuse, with a particular focus on the proliferation of ‘Kush.’ Highlighting multifaceted challenges faced by law enforcement, Sellu emphasized the critical role of community intelligence and proposed measures to enhance collaboration between authorities and the public.
Sellu illuminated the intricate challenges confronting law enforcement agencies in their battle against drug abuse, citing inadequacies in fines for convicts and a dearth of actionable intelligence from the populace. “The perpetrators of these crimes often reside within our communities, some even as tenants, thus necessitating community engagement and intelligence sharing,” asserted Sellu.
Acknowledging the limitations of police presence everywhere simultaneously, Sellu heralded the establishment of Local Policing Partnership Boards (LPPBs) under Keith Biddle’s leadership as pivotal in fostering cooperation between police forces and communities. Despite the nationwide implementation of LPPBs across 36 Divisions, Sellu lamented the tepid response from communities in providing vital intelligence.
The Inspector General disclosed pivotal interceptions in the fight against drug trafficking, notably the seizure of marshmallow, a precursor to Kush production, initially at airport freight facilities before trafficking shifted to maritime routes. Responding to this shift, the security apparatus established the Sea Cooperative Project (Seacorp) to counter maritime drug smuggling. Sellu lauded Seacorp’s efficacy, citing numerous arrests and a heightened focus on intelligence gathering to combat the Kush scourge.
Sellu further underscored the proactive measures taken during his tenure, including the incineration of illegal drugs on two occasions, most recently torching 102 cartons of tramadol and other illicit substances seized at the Quay. Notable victories in apprehending key drug traffickers were also highlighted, with the apprehension and prosecution of Eastern drug baron ‘Biggie Tel’ serving as a significant milestone. Sellu revealed that multiple trials were underway nationwide, with additional cases pending advice from the Attorney General’s office for prosecution.
The Police Chief recommended the establishment of expedited drug courts to swiftly adjudicate drug-related cases and advocated for the imposition of severe penalties to deter future offenses.
Sellu’s impassioned address to Parliament underscores the gravity of the drug abuse epidemic and the urgent need for a coordinated, multifaceted response. With law enforcement agencies grappling with complex challenges, including evolving trafficking methods, community engagement and enhanced intelligence sharing emerge as linchpins in the battle against drug abuse. The Inspector General’s recommendations for judicial reform and stringent penalties signal a determined effort to confront this societal menace head-on.
