BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
Residents of Tankoro Camp in Koidu City, Kono District, have voiced their growing concerns over a surge in criminal activities attributed to a group known as the “Kush boys,” who recently relocated to the camp. This influx followed a police raid in Koidu City and across Kono District that disbanded the notorious Kush cartel formerly operating at the main Konomanyi lorry park.
David Mbayoh, a resident of Tankoro Camp, expressed his distress to our correspondent, highlighting that the presence of the Kush boys has made life increasingly difficult. He noted that the community now lives in constant fear, with residents keeping “one eye widely opened” at night due to the threat of theft and other criminal activities. Mbayoh described daily life at the camp as being plagued by frequent fights, abusive language, and other forms of public nuisance.
What Mbayoh finds particularly alarming is the alleged complicity of some police officers, who he claims have been seen smoking Kush with the criminals instead of apprehending them. According to him, the Kush boys only exhibit fear when they see a police patrol vehicle, prompting them to flee to avoid arrest.
Mbayoh has appealed to Chief Superintendent of Police Augustine Kamara, the local unit commander of the Tankoro Police Divisional Headquarters, to address the escalating menace, especially given allegations of police involvement. He emphasized the primary duty of the police to protect the lives and property of all citizens.
Sharing similar sentiments, Isata Komba, another resident of Tankoro Camp, urged the entire community to join forces in combating the Kush problem. She called on residents to act as watchdogs to prevent the sale and consumption of the harmful drug within the district.
In an interview, Komba Bockarie, a self-confessed Kush addict, pleaded for government intervention and support from humanitarian organizations. He described the addiction to Kush as “highly demonic” and difficult to overcome without divine intervention. Bockarie argued that arresting and imprisoning individuals for kush-related offenses is not an effective solution. Instead, he advocated for the establishment of rehabilitation and vocational centers to assist those seeking to overcome their addiction.
Bockarie further alleged that some police officers, under the guise of performing their duties, partake in smoking Kush with the criminals at Tankoro Camp, casting doubt on the reliability of the police force in this fight.
Efforts by our correspondent to contact CSP Augustine Kamara for a response were unsuccessful. When reached via text, Kamara brusquely declined to address the allegations, stating that he was not obliged to respond to our inquiries and suggested that the correspondent proceed with publishing the claims.
The issue of police involvement in criminal activities is not new in Sierra Leone. Numerous officers have been dismissed for their participation in such acts, particularly the consumption of Kush and other illicit substances. In a notable incident, a correctional officer was caught trafficking Kush into a correctional facility, and in Pujehun Town, a police officer’s son was apprehended selling Kush at the police camp.
As the situation at Tankoro Camp continues to develop, this medium remains committed to investigating and reporting on the ongoing concerns.
