A new drug called "Kush" is causing significant "destruction" in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, where it is estimated to kill around ten people each week and send thousands to hospitals. This drug, consumed mainly by men aged 18 to 25, causes users to walk while sleeping, fall, bump their heads on hard surfaces, or walk into traffic. "Kush," which turns its users into "zombies," has raised widespread concern according to the site "Science Alert."
Kush is composed of a mixture of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol, and formaldehyde. Reports suggest that ground human bones are added to these components. Local criminal gangs are promoting the substances used to create this drug, some of which have international sources. While cannabis is widely cultivated in Sierra Leone, fentanyl is believed to be illegally manufactured in clandestine labs in China before being shipped to West African countries. Tramadol has a similar source, being produced in illegal labs across various parts of Asia, according to "Science Alert," which mentioned that the presence of formaldehyde in the mixture causes severe hallucinations.
The site quoted individuals claiming that grave robbers provide human bones from deceased bodies, noting that the use of bones is attributed to the high sulfur content, which acts as a potent narcotic. Others suggest that the presence of drugs in these bones, especially if they belonged to a former user of fentanyl or tramadol, could be a factor. However, the site considers these possibilities unlikely, indicating that sulfur levels in bones are not high, and any narcotic substances in the bones are below the threshold necessary to produce a physiological effect.
Reports have documented the presence of "Kush" in Guinea and Liberia, which share land borders with Sierra Leone, facilitating the flow of the drug into these countries, according to Science Alert. The effects of the drug vary according to the user and its content, with cannabis producing a wide range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and altered states of consciousness. Fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid, induces feelings of euphoria and confusion while causing drowsiness among a wide range of other side effects. Similarly, tramadol, also an opioid, makes users feel drowsy and disconnected from reality and their surrounding events. These drugs are inexpensive and provide an escape from unemployment, poverty, sexual and physical abuse, especially in West Africa.
