INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING : U.S. EXPRESSES SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS ABOUT SIERRA LEONE

INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING : U.S. EXPRESSES SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS ABOUT SIERRA LEONE

The United States has expressed significant concerns amidst credible reports that Sierra Leone is facing challenges related to drug trafficking and its association with corrupt elements within the government and security forces.

Sierra Leone is now considered a significant player in international drug trafficking:

Transit hub for international drug cartels: Sierra Leone serves as a major transit point for drug trafficking networks moving narcotics from South America to Europe and, to a lesser extent, the United States.

Increasing cocaine trade: The cocaine trade has been on the rise in recent years, with Freetown becoming a primary hub for operations, especially via maritime routes.

Involvement of high-level officials: Past instances of high-level government officials being implicated in cocaine trafficking suggest a link between this illicit activity and the weakening of state institutions. The presence of a most-wanted European drug lord in Sierra Leone and alleged connections to government officials further raise concerns.

Drug-related corruption: Widespread corruption, especially at the port and within law enforcement, contributes to the lack of seizures and inadequate enforcement of drug laws. The U.S. State Department highlights that corruption is a pervasive problem that compromises citizen access to basic public services and institutions.

Domestic drug abuse: There is a significant problem with domestic drug abuse, particularly of a synthetic drug called “kush,” which is widely consumed by youth and manufactured in Freetown.

While Sierra Leone has put in place some measures to combat drug trafficking, such as establishing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and cooperating with international partners, these efforts are often hindered by limited resources, weak infrastructure, and corruption.

Therefore, Sierra Leone is facing a serious threat from organized crime and drug trafficking, with some signs of state capture or significant infiltration by criminal elements.