By Thaimu T. Kamara
A 20-year-old resident of Rokupr Town, identified as Alhajie Kamara, has been arrested by police in Kambia District for the unlawful possession of 270 wraps of dried green leaves suspected to be the prohibited drug commonly known as Kush.
The arrest followed intensified surveillance operations, routine patrols, and sustained community engagement campaigns conducted by the Sierra Leone Police across Kambia District. These operations form part of broader efforts to curb the sale, smuggling, and consumption of illicit drugs, including Kush, tramadol, and Cannabis sativa, which authorities say pose serious threats to public health and community safety particularly among young people.
Police sources confirmed that the operation was led by Inspector Moses Kallon, head of the division’s operations team, under the supervision of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mr. Sao Vandy, Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kambia Police Division. The patrols focused on Rokupr Township and other strategic communities identified as hotspots for drug-related activities, with the aim of strengthening public safety and maintaining law and order.
During the operation, Inspector Kallon and his team intercepted and arrested Alhajie Kamara, whom police described as a known drug dealer within the Rokupr Town community. A search conducted at the time of arrest reportedly led to the recovery of 270 wraps of suspected Kush. Authorities have linked the substance to a growing number of youth deaths and severe health complications across the district and beyond.
According to police, the suspect admitted ownership of the drugs during preliminary questioning, stating that he engaged in the sale of the substance as a means of livelihood to support himself and his family.
Alhajie Kamara is currently being held in protective police custody at the Kambia Police Divisional Headquarters as investigations continue. The seized wraps have been secured as exhibits and formally handed over to Detective Sergeant 14377 Bangura A.B. of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) at the Kambia Police Division for further analysis and processing.
Meanwhile, the Kambia Division Police Operations Team has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against harmful and illicit drugs. Police have called on community members, traditional leaders, youth groups, and civil society actors to continue supporting law enforcement through collaboration, cooperation, and the timely sharing of credible information on drug-related activities to enable swift police response.
Authorities emphasized that the ongoing campaign against illicit drugs remains a top priority within the district, forming part of wider national efforts to protect young people, safeguard public health, and preserve peace and stability in Kambia District. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug-related activities to the nearest police station.