Unmasking Kush: The Deadly Drug Fueling West Africa's Crisis

A new report reveals the composition of 'kush,' a cheap and deadly drug causing a national emergency in Sierra Leone. Synthetic opioids and foreign-sourced cannabinoids are identified as key ingredients. The findings offer insight to curtail the drug's impact across West Africa and tackle its global threat.

A recent report sheds light on 'kush,' a low-cost and dangerous drug that has prompted a national emergency in Sierra Leone. Tests have revealed that the drug contains synthetic opioids and cannabinoids imported from abroad, challenging previous beliefs about its composition and origin.

In April, President Julius Maada Bio declared a substance abuse emergency, escaping from inaccurate rumors that kush ingredients included rat poison and other harmful substances. Now, the newly identified components offer avenues for authorities to pursue more effective strategies in combating its widespread use.

Authorities now hope that naloxone, known for reversing opioid effects, and pinpointing international production hubs could help control kush's proliferation not only in Sierra Leone but other West African nations as 'kush' claims thousands of lives amid a global rise of synthetic drugs.

(With inputs from agencies.)