Alarming Rise of New Drug “Kush” is Causing Havoc in West Africa

In West Africa, a new drug called “kush” is causing widespread havoc, particularly in Sierra Leone, where it is estimated to result in the deaths of approximately a dozen people each week and hospitalise thousands. The drug is primarily consumed by men aged 18 to 25 and is known for its dangerous and unpredictable effects.

Kush induces users to fall asleep while walking, leading to accidents such as falls, head injuries, and even walking into moving traffic. The composition of kush is distinct from the similarly named drug found in the United States, which involves a mixture of chemicals sprayed on plant matter and smoked. In Sierra Leone, kush is a blend of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol, formaldehyde, and, according to some reports, ground human bones.

Local criminal gangs are responsible for producing kush, but the constituent drugs have international origins, likely facilitated by the internet and digital communications. Cannabis is locally cultivated in Sierra Leone, while fentanyl is believed to originate in clandestine labs in China, where it is illegally manufactured and then shipped to West Africa. Tramadol has a similar source, with illegal labs located across Asia. Formaldehyde, known for its hallucinogenic properties, is also reportedly part of this mixture.

The inclusion of ground human bones in the drug remains a subject of speculation, with claims that grave robbers may be the source. However, there is no direct evidence to support this theory.

Kush has also been reported in neighbouring countries, Guinea and Liberia, which share porous land borders with Sierra Leone, facilitating drug trafficking.

One of the alarming aspects of kush is its affordability, with a single joint costing approximately five Sierra Leonean leones (equivalent to 20 UK pence). Users often share joints, and it is not uncommon for individuals to consume up to 40 joints in a day. This high level of consumption highlights the addictive nature of the drug, especially in a country where the annual income per capita is only around £500.

The effects of kush vary depending on the user and the drug’s composition. Cannabis can induce euphoria, relaxation, and altered states of consciousness. Fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid, can produce euphoria, confusion, sleepiness, and a range of other side effects. Tramadol, another opioid, albeit less potent than fentanyl, can lead to sleepiness and a feeling of being “spaced out.”

The drug poses a dual danger: the risk of self-injury to users due to its unpredictable effects and the highly addictive nature of the substance. Many users resort to criminal activities or prostitution to finance their next dose.

Kush is another example of polydrug mixtures that forensic scientists are increasingly encountering. Similar mixtures, such as “nyaope” in South Africa and “white pipe” in southern Africa, combine various substances, often with devastating consequences.

Addressing this drug crisis requires a comprehensive approach beyond legislation alone. An integrated forensic healthcare system, backed by well-funded rehabilitation centres, public health initiatives, and employment programs, may be needed to combat the devastating effects of drugs like kush. The response to this epidemic will determine the path forward in addressing the health crisis it has unleashed in West Africa.

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Source: The Conversation