Additional Coverage:
- The global synthetic drugs crisis has hit West Africa, where people are digging up human bones to make a drug called ‘kush’ (newsbreak.com)
Sierra Leone Faces Synthetic Drug Epidemic, Declares State of Emergency
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a drastic response to a growing synthetic drug crisis, Sierra Leone’s President has declared a state of emergency, highlighting the widespread abuse of a dangerous drug known as “kush,” which is reportedly made from human bones, among other substances. The president, in a nationwide address, labeled the drug epidemic as an existential threat, underscoring the severity of the situation facing the West African nation.
Kush, a synthetic concoction that has been linked to a series of health crises in the capital city of Freetown, is causing alarm among authorities and the public alike. Reports indicate that the drug’s use is especially prevalent among young men in the city, many of whom have been found unconscious in the streets after consuming the substance. What sets kush apart from other drugs is its alarming composition, including formaldehyde—which is suspected to be sourced from embalming fluids—and human bones obtained from cemeteries.
This horrifying method of production has escalated to the extent that police protection is now being sought for cemeteries in a bid to thwart grave robbery attempts for the purpose of making this lethal drug. The health risks associated with kush are profound, with users suffering from severe organ failure among other critical conditions, leading to fatalities.
This has particularly affected the youth population, with the majority of kush users reportedly between the ages of 20 and 34. Many turn to the drug as a means to cope with unemployment and the stresses of daily life, suggesting a deeper societal issue at play.
The crisis in Sierra Leone is representative of a global challenge in combating the use of synthetic drugs. The rise of substances such as “spice,” “K2,” “black mamba,” and “tranq” has been noted worldwide, with kush being compared to these harmful synthetic cannabinoids due to its severe health implications. The use of these substances highlights an alarming trend of drug abuse that poses significant public health and safety risks.
Sierra Leone’s synthetic drug emergency is drawing international concern, as the potential for the spread of drugs like kush beyond its borders looms large. The situation sheds light on the broader issue of synthetic drug proliferation and the complex challenges it presents, not just in Sierra Leone but globally, necessitating a concerted effort to address this trend before more lives are lost to these deadly substances.