The new drug barons, who are they?
Three years ago Sierra Leone’s reputation as a drug dealing country was cemented with the discovery of about 600 kg of cocaine, on-board a small aircraft, at Lungi International Airport. A few days ago, the discovery of three tonnes of marijuana, valued at $10million in one stash at Masiaka should not be overlooked as something out of the ordinary. This is an indication of a serious home grown cartel that is been nurtured, and condoned. It is highly unlikely for an operation of this size to exist overnight and not have the necessary connections. This discovery is a testament to how sophisticated our local drug dealers have become. The cocaine plane incident, highlighted what some of these foreign nationals do in Salone, and hence it became a little more difficult for them, the foreign nationals, to operate in the country. It is only natural that the local agents have now become bona fide dealers, in their own right. This is very similar to what happened in Mexico, when the locals took over the cocaine trade in their country. The rewards for trading drugs are there and, like any good business person, the locals have jumped on the opportunity. The question to be asked is how many such consignments got away? Unfortunately it will be very difficult to guess. The statements made by officials about arable land been used for marijuana vs food is a very serious indicator of the problem faced by the nation in terms of food security. The mention of unemployed youths gives an impression that the cultivation of the plants is solely in their hands. I am sure that regular farmers are also jumping on the bandwagon to get better profits so that they can get out of the subsistence trap.
The new networks with locals as dealers, not agents, unfortunately has the distinct possibility of involving SL nationals who live, have lived, in countries where the drug is consumed in large amounts (US, Europe, Australia, Middle-, and Far-East). The evidence is there in the number of SL nationals who are deported each year, from these places, due to drug dealing and trafficking, and auto theft. Upon returning home, unemployed, and used to a fast lifestyle, these ex-cons are now, I believe, becoming the local drug barons, drawing up on their experiences, and contacts, in the markets that they left behind. With the African governments being as corrupt, as any other, and definitely more indifferent to criminals, the new mafia tend to have their way. They are pretty easy to pick out in a crowd, at home, flashy jewelry, obnoxious behavior etc. The sad thing is that they are very often seen in the company of the high ups in our society. With elections around the corner all parties will be courting their contributions, and thereby ensuring protection for the ex-cons regardless of the electoral victor. Without a means of auditing the books of political parties, it is very difficult to address questions of political contributions. God help Salone.
By Maada Moseray
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2011, https:. All rights reserved.
