Sierra Leone is grappling with an escalating crisis as the drug known as “Kush” takes hold, especially among its youth, turning many into zombies.
Disturbingly, some of the ingredients in this potent mix are derived from human bone fragments.
Originating from a blend of herbs, toxic chemicals, and even human bones, Kush’s affordability, priced at just 20p per joint, has made it alarmingly popular in Sierra Leone. Despite its illegal status, the streets of Freetown witness open transactions of this perilous substance.
Recounting its allure, one addict stated, “Kush takes you to another world, one where you don’t know yourself.” The exact formulation remains shrouded in mystery, with its components varying unpredictably. Yet, opioids like fentanyl frequently appear in the mixture, accompanied by a disturbing presence of human bone fragments.
Highlighting the potential dangers of these bones, a medical expert commented,
“The bones contain traces of sulphur which can enhance the drug’s effect.”
Reports suggest dealers have plundered countless graves, with locals estimating the theft of “thousands” of skeletons for this drug’s sinister production.
The devastating toll of Kush is evident in stories like that of Abu Bakhar, once an aspiring musician. He lamented,
“Because of drugs I did not concentrate on music,” he told Channel 4 News. “Because of drugs I did not concentrate on studies. Because of drugs I did not concentrate on writing. Because of drugs I did not concentrate on anything.”
Like many other Kush addicts, he’s lost his home and now lives on a landfill site on the outskirts of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. Over a thousand other people reportedly live on the rubbish dump, combing it for anything of value that they can sell in order to buy more kush.
Alhaji’s descent into addiction was swift. Reflecting on his initiation, he shared,
“I went to the ghetto to buy another one and smoke it. I said ‘This is so sweet, can I get more?’ and that’s how I became an addict.”
Despite his desperation to break free, he remains entrapped, seeking solace in prayer.
Amara Kallon’s narrative further underscores the drug’s grip. She revealed,
“I used to smoke a couple of slings of marijuana a day but after I was introduced to kush by friends, I never turned back. I sold my clothes and books to satisfy my addiction. I started stealing household items, phones, pots and dishes to buy drugs.”
Expressing concern, Dr. Jusu Mattia observed,
“You go along any streets, you see a lot of young men sleeping on the streets.”
The nation’s promising future; its budding doctors, lawyers, and architects are now among those reduced to desperate circumstances.
With estimates suggesting over a million individuals ensnared across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, the Kush epidemic threatens to destabilize the region.
| DailyStar
