Kenema Youths Accuse Police of Bias in Fight Against Kush, Tramadol, and Other Harmful Substances
By Kamal M. Barrie, Journalist – Kenema
As security forces intensify operations against small-scale drug vendors in Kenema, members of the community are raising serious concerns over the apparent targeting of minor cartels while allegedly leaving major drug tycoons untouched. While the ongoing raids against street-level dealers of Kush, Tramadol, and other harmful substances have earned some appreciation, many residents argue that the real masterminds behind the drug trade continue to operate with impunity.
“Youths are saying the fight against drugs should not favor anyone, yet we see a clear bias in the ongoing operations,” said several young community members. “The small vendors are being raided, but the big ones, those everyone knows are untouched. “Den guy dem na money dem dae gie to police, en na e mak dem nor dae raid them”. We have to go on the radio to call their names and locations; the big ones are still out there.”
Community stakeholders allege that prominent drug tycoons in Kenema wield enormous financial power, allowing them to evade law enforcement. “They don’t respect anyone. We know their assets in Kenema and other places. Their wealth comes from blood money,” one concerned citizen revealed.
Shockingly, intelligence reports suggest that a former Member of Parliament has been linked to these drug lords. Allegations include laundering drug money to acquire houses in Kenema, constructing a luxury hotel in Freetown, and amassing significant personal wealth, all at the expense of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. This former Member of Parliament is also accused of leveraging drug money to influence local chieftaincy outcomes and political contests, further embedding the influence of illicit funds in public life.
Residents say these activities have tarnished the nation’s image and undermined genuine anti-drug efforts. “If President Bio and the authorities do not stand firm, the fight against drugs will yield no real results because these tycoons are financially untouchable,” one community source said.
Public sentiment in Kenema is clear: the police must act impartially and extend operations to include high-profile drug operators. Otherwise, angry youths warn of mass demonstrations to protest what they perceive as systemic bias in the anti-drug campaign. “Why can’t they raid the tycoons everyone has known for over three years? Instead, they demolish the homes of poor people. This is unfair. God will actually destroy anyone who profits from selling Kush, Tramadol, and other harmful drugs,” youths lamented.
The general public now awaits the naming and exposure of these drug tycoons in Kenema, including the alleged former Member of Parliament, calling for decisive action to restore justice and accountability.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding issue.
© CABINET ONLINE TV
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