Sierra Leone Identifies Chemical Components of Deadly Kush Drug
Sierra Leone’s battle against the deadly street drug known as kush has taken a significant step forward following a report revealing its chemical composition.
President Julius Maada Bio described kush as an “epidemic” and a “national threat” last April, launching a task force focused on prevention, treatment, and community engagement. However, limited knowledge of the drug’s chemical ingredients has complicated efforts to address its rising impact.
Now, tests conducted by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime at the request of the government have identified the core chemical components of kush.
What the Tests Found
The report, released on Tuesday, shows that:
- More than half of the kush samples contain nitazenes, a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is up to 25% more potent than fentanyl.
- The remaining samples were found to contain synthetic cannabinoids.
These findings confirm fears that kush’s dangerous potency is responsible for a surge in related deaths across the country.
How Kush is Made
The report further disclosed that some of the core ingredients are imported from:
- China
- The Netherlands
- Likely the United Kingdom
Upon arrival in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, the chemicals are combined in local labs. The resulting liquid mixture is then sprayed onto plant material, which is smoked and sold as kush.
🚨 Kush, a synthetic drug with lethal consequences, is spreading rapidly in #WestAfrica.
— Global Initiative (@GI_TOC) February 25, 2025
Our latest report reveals its deadly composition, trafficking routes & urgent recommendations to curb the crisis.
Read more: https://t.co/OQKOvxQAo7@Lucia_Bird_Ruiz | @Clingendaelorg pic.twitter.com/WZOaY6WkDH
Rising Death Toll and Corruption Concerns
The popularity of kush has skyrocketed, with a corresponding increase in deaths associated with its use. The situation is further worsened by reports of local corruption, as smoking bars have emerged near police stations, raising questions about enforcement efforts.
President Bio’s administration is now under pressure to intensify its law enforcement measures, while also ensuring that treatment and rehabilitation services are available to those affected by kush addiction.
As Sierra Leone grapples with this growing crisis, the new revelations about kush’s chemical makeup provide a clearer path for authorities to curb the drug’s distribution and save lives.
Source: AfricaNews