ILRAJ Responds to Speaker’s Claim That Drug Crisis Is Not as Severe as Reported

The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has responded to the recent remarks attributed to the Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Segepoh Solomon Thomas, in which he reportedly stated that "the level at which Sierra Leone is been propagating as a drug nation is not like that"

In a statement, ILRAJ highlighted the devastating effects of the synthetic drug commonly known as kush, which continues to affect families and communities across the country. According to the Institute, evidence from official data and community reports shows that between January and October 2025, the Freetown City Council collected and buried over 220 unclaimed bodies from the streets, many believed to be linked to kush-related causes. Similar trends have been reported nationwide.

“The crisis extends beyond loss of life. It affects families, education, productivity, and social cohesion,” the statement read. Communities report growing numbers of young people suffering from addiction, deteriorating health, and extreme vulnerability, while humanitarian workers continue to document hardships faced by those struggling with dependency and limited access to rehabilitation services.

ILRAJ also noted that recent international reports have connected Sierra Leone to incidents of drug trafficking, including the interception of an embassy vehicle in Guinea carrying suspected narcotics and the reported presence of international fugitives with links to the global cocaine trade. Such developments, the Institute warned, have brought unwanted attention to the country and highlight the need for stronger institutional safeguards and accountability.

The statement urged all public communications to reflect the seriousness of the national emergency declared by President Julius Maada Bio on 4 April 2024 under the Drug and Substance Abuse Public Emergency Response Regulations, 2024. ILRAJ emphasized that minimizing the crisis could erode public trust, reduce community engagement in prevention programs, and embolden drug dealers.

The Institute called on the Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, and other stakeholders to demonstrate leadership by collaborating with government ministries, civil society, and local communities to address the crisis decisively and compassionately.

“Sierra Leone faces a defining moment. Collective resolve and unified action are needed to protect the nation's youth, restore dignity to affected families, and build a safer future for all,” ILRAJ stated, reaffirming its commitment to evidence-based interventions, rehabilitation, and justice for communities impacted by drug and substance abuse.