A new report from Global Initiatives on Organized Crime Beyond Borders has identified the key chemical components of Kush, a synthetic drug that has become prevalent in Sierra Leone and surrounding West African countries. Tests revealed that Kush contains either nitazen or synthetic cannabinoids. Nitazen, a potent synthetic opioid, is becoming increasingly common in global drug markets and has been linked to a significant number of drug-related deaths in countries like Estonia and Latvia. In Sierra Leone, President Julius Madabio has declared a war against Kush, labeling it an epidemic and a national threat. He has established a Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse to focus on prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and community involvement.
The report highlights how Kush is primarily manufactured in Freetown, with precursor chemicals being sourced from China. These chemicals are combined in local labs and then sprayed onto plant materials for sale as Kush. Despite various rumors regarding its ingredients, including tramadol and human bones, the study found no evidence to support these claims. Since its introduction to the market, Kush’s popularity has surged, as have the associated overdose deaths. The report noted that the rise of nitazen has also been linked to a global increase in fatalities related to drug overdoses. The spread of synthetic drugs like Kush reflects broader global trends in the opioid crisis, with nitazen becoming an alarming concern in various regions worldwide.
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