The Sierra Leone Embassy in Senegal has expressed grave concern over the arrest of five Sierra Leonean nationals at the Port of Dakar for involvement in Kush trafficking.
This development prompted an urgent meeting between embassy officials and port executives on Monday, January 20, 2025.
During the deliberations, Ambassador Ibrahim Turay underscored the embassy’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related activities.
He urged Sierra Leoneans in Senegal to uphold the nation’s reputation and abide by local laws, warning against tarnishing the country’s hard-earned global respect.
“We have earned a remarkable reputation as a nation and are highly regarded by our host country. We must not allow anyone to dent that image,” Ambassador Turay stated firmly.
Details of the incident revealed that the five individuals were apprehended on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Port Autonome de Dakar Mole 1, following security surveillance. Ebenezer George, the newly elected Chairman of the Sierra Leone Port Workers, explained that the group had entered a prohibited area monitored by CCTV cameras. Their actions led to a swift police operation, resulting in their arrest.
One of the accused has since been sentenced to six months in prison, while the other four were released.
The Gendarmerie Commander confirmed that the group was caught with Kush and raised concerns about the disruptive behavior of some Sierra Leoneans who had formed gangs around the port, creating public safety issues.
In response, Kelfala B. Samura, President of the Sierra Leone National Union, announced plans to establish a task force to educate communities on the dangers of Kush and to support legal action against offenders. The newly formed port executive also pledged to collaborate with the embassy in tackling drug and substance abuse among Sierra Leoneans in Senegal.
The embassy’s proactive measures aim to preserve the country’s integrity while addressing the growing concern of drug-related activities within the Sierra Leonean community in Dakar.
Source: Ismael Bayoh, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Dakar, Senegal.
