Sierra Leone Declares State of Emergency Amid Concerns Over Drug Suspected to be Derived from Human Bones

Sierra Leone has officially announced a state of emergency concerning drug abuse, responding to the urgent pleas from healthcare providers and local communities to curb the proliferation of a synthetic drug that allegedly contains human remains and has resulted in hundreds of fatalities.

The substance in question, known as ‘kush,’ is a blend of various chemical compounds such as marijuana, fentanyl, and tramadol, among others. It is highly addictive, easily accessible, and produces effects similar to those of cannabis. Over the years, it has been spreading throughout the nation, leading to numerous deaths attributed to organ failure and mental health issues, including irreversible brain damage.

During a national address, President Julius Maada Bio emphasized the critical need to address the crisis of drug abuse, particularly the destructive impact of the synthetic drug kush, which poses a significant threat to the country’s well-being. He highlighted the rising number of fatalities among users, prompting the declaration of a national emergency.

While an official death toll for Kush users is unavailable, reports indicate that in recent months, hundreds of individuals, predominantly young people, have lost their lives in Freetown, the capital city. The country’s sole psychiatric facility has witnessed a staggering surge in admissions related to kush, with a nearly 4,000% increase between 2020 and 2023, totaling 1,865 cases.

The composition of kush may vary, with some instances reportedly containing human bones, although the rationale behind this addition remains unclear. The surge in kush consumption has compelled authorities in Freetown to station police guards at cemeteries to prevent addicts from desecrating graves in pursuit of the drug, as indicated by media reports.

President Bio outlined the government’s plan to establish a task force dedicated to overseeing initiatives for drug abuse prevention, addiction treatment, social services support, and law enforcement, as well as fostering community engagement in regulating the sale and distribution of drugs within the country.