By AJOKE A.M. AFOLABI
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to tackling illegal drugs, cross-border trafficking, and other forms of organized crime during a high-level press briefing held at the Police Mess on Thursday, 13th November 2025. The session was led by Dr. John Martin Senesis, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and Director of Operations, accompanied by a team of senior security specialists.
AIG Senesis addressed members of the press with a comprehensive overview of the police force’s strengthened operational strategies, noting that illegal drug trafficking — especially the spread of the synthetic drug “kush” — remains a serious threat to public safety and national security. He underscored that the SLP has adopted a more assertive posture, expanding patrols and security protocols nationwide to combat the rise in illicit activities.
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Senesis emphasized the critical need for heightened vigilance in high-risk zones that have become hotspots for ambushes and other criminal incidents. He stressed that senior police officers and regional commanders bear an increased responsibility to implement robust, reliable, and community-centered policing strategies. As part of a broader shift toward community-focused operations, he highlighted the importance of public sensitization, especially in educating citizens about the dangers of kush and other harmful substances.
“Our foremost duty as Sierra Leone Police officers is to safeguard the lives and properties of every citizen,” he said, reaffirming the force’s longstanding commitment to protecting the public.
AIG Senesis also articulated the government’s uncompromising stance on drug trafficking, human trafficking, and all criminal networks facilitating these activities. He warned that individuals involved in trafficking offenses will face the full force of the law.
As part of ongoing preventive and educational efforts, he disclosed that police units are conducting targeted outreach in major transportation hubs across the country. These measures aim to dismantle criminal syndicates that exploit porous borders and transit points. He extended gratitude to communities and partners for continued cooperation and urged all stakeholders to remain united in the national campaign against drugs and cross-border crime.
In a significant development, Dr. Senesis announced imminent security engagements with Inspector Generals of Police from Liberia and The Gambia. These bilateral meetings are expected to deepen intelligence sharing, reinforce regional coordination, and strengthen joint strategies against transnational crime affecting the Mano River and West African regions.
Addressing concerns about kush-related deaths, he revealed that specialized task forces—activated since October 31st—are actively clearing drug users from public spaces, while medical professionals investigate suspected drug-related fatalities to determine accurate causes of death. “The public has an intrinsic right to know about critical developments affecting their country,” he stated, highlighting the importance of transparency.
AIG Senesis concluded by reaffirming the Sierra Leone Police’s unwavering dedication to preserving national security and fostering peace. He noted that the government’s enhanced security measures aim to create a safe environment conducive to economic growth, community stability, and increased investor confidence.
Through these coordinated national and regional initiatives, Sierra Leone continues to demonstrate its resolute commitment to combating drugs, human trafficking, and other criminal threats that undermine public safety and development.
