‘‘Safe haven for Drug Lords’’

-Opposition Whip Hon. AKK

A few years ago, President Julius Maada Bio stated that one of the key reasons for his frequent international travels was to clean the image of the country. At the time, many of his loyalists echoed this message across social and mainstream media platforms, presenting it as a noble mission to restore Sierra Leone’s reputation.

Ironically, during that same period, Sierra Leone began to be tagged internationally as a hub for drug trafficking, an alarming label that most nations dread. But under the current administration, such news appears to be greeted with silence or inaction.

Several months ago, the Dutch government, through INTERPOL, communicated with the Sierra Leonean authorities regarding a convicted drug baron reportedly hiding in the country. The Dutch requested his extradition. However, the Sierra Leonean government downplayed the matter. The Sierra Leone Police publicly denied the individual’s presence in the country, stating that the suspect known internationally as Bollos Jus was in fact Amadu Sheriff.”

This denial shocked many Sierra Leoneans, especially as photographic and video evidence surfaced showing the drug convict not only present in the country, but also seen associating with individuals linked to the presidential family. Despite this, the government has yet to provide any follow-up or clarity on the matter, leaving the public in the dark.

In response, the Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, has strongly condemned the government’s handling of the drug trafficking crisis and the apparent misuse of diplomatic passports. He expressed grave concern over the country’s deteriorating international image under the SLPP-led administration, stating that Sierra Leone is experiencing one of its darkest reputational periods since gaining independence.

Opposition Chief Whip emphasized that the proliferation of illicit drugs in the country has reached alarming levels, with no visible or effective mechanisms put in place to combat the threat. He further alleged that certain state actors may be complicit, benefiting directly from the drug trade.

Opposition Chief Whip lamented that Sierra Leone is fast becoming a safe haven for drug lords, where traffickers find protection rather than prosecution. According to him, those who should be leading the fight against this crisis are instead shielding the very criminals responsible.

Highlighting a recent case, Opposition Chief Whip pointed to the arrest of a drug baron, Alp Ustun, in the United Arab Emirates. Shockingly, Ustun was found in possession of a Sierra Leonean diplomatic passport. Opposition Chief Whip argued that this discovery further endangers Sierra Leonean citizens abroad, as no country would take kindly to such blatant abuse of diplomatic privileges.

Opposition Chief Whip expressed deep concern that diplomatic passports, once a symbol of national honor and trust, are now being used as tools to protect international criminals.

Opposition Chief Whip referred to Page 116 of the 2023 Audit Report, which revealed that many Sierra Leonean diplomatic missions continue to use rubber stamps instead of standardized visa stickers or automated systems. The report also observed that foreign passports were stamped with ordinary rubber stamps, making it difficult to verify authenticity and prevent fraud.

Although some missions have implemented internal controls to reduce fraud, Opposition Chief Whip argued that these measures are not foolproof. He warned that the lack of robust safeguards allows for the continued misuse of official documentation.

In conclusion, Opposition Chief Whip called on the government to immediately scale up investigations into the issuance of diplomatic passports, particularly those granted to foreign nationals with alleged ties to drug cartels. He stressed that as long as such practices continue, Sierra Leone will remain unsafe, and its global image will remain severely tarnished.