Mixture of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol, formaldehyde, and possibly human bones causes deaths and hospitalizations.
A new drug known as “kush” is causing a public health crisis in West Africa, primarily in Sierra Leone, where it is estimated to be responsible for around a dozen deaths per week and hospitalizations of thousands. This drug, distinct from the US strain with the same name, is a combination of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol, formaldehyde, and, according to some reports, ground down human bones.
Key Points:
- Composition: Kush in Sierra Leone is a concoction of cannabis, fentanyl (an opioid), tramadol (a less potent opioid), formaldehyde (a chemical that can cause hallucinations), and, reportedly, ground human bones.
- Origins: Criminal gangs in Sierra Leone mix the drug, but the constituent substances have international sources. Fentanyl is believed to come from illegal laboratories in China, tramadol from illegal labs across Asia, and cannabis is locally grown.
- Dangers: Kush induces users, primarily men aged 18 to 25, to fall asleep while walking, leading to injuries such as falling over, hitting their heads on surfaces, and walking into traffic. The drug poses a dual threat—self-injury to users and its highly addictive nature.
- Addiction and Costs: Despite Sierra Leone’s annual income per capita being around £500, the drug costs about 20 UK pence per joint. With individuals reportedly consuming up to 40 joints a day, the addictive nature of the mixture is evident, leading to significant financial strain on users.
- Possible Human Bones: Reports suggest that ground human bones might be part of the mixture, but there is uncertainty about their inclusion, origin, and purpose. Some propose that sulphur in bones may cause a high, while others speculate on drug content if the deceased was a fentanyl or tramadol user.
- Regional Impact: The drug, known as kush, has also been reported in Guinea and Liberia, neighboring countries with porous borders, facilitating drug trafficking.
This situation highlights the evolving challenges faced by forensic scientists dealing with complex polydrug mixtures. Similar to South Africa’s nyaope or whoonga, such drugs pose significant public health risks and necessitate a comprehensive approach to address both the immediate dangers to users and the underlying issues contributing to their spread.