Police in Freetown, Sierra Leone, are increasing security around cemeteries due to a rise in grave desecration by people with an addiction seeking Kush, a psychoactive drug made partly from ground-up human bones, which is causing a public health crisis.
Kush, a toxic drug made from various substances, including human bone, reportedly utilises the sulphur traces found in human remains to enhance its psychoactive effects.
Its popularity has surged in Sierra Leone over the past six years, leading to widespread addiction and associated social problems.
Former users like Abu Bakhar, 25, have described the devastating impact of Kush, which robbed him of his ambitions and turned him into what he describes as a ‘zombie’, leading to homelessness and a precarious existence among others in similar circumstances.
Sierra Leone’s President Bio has acknowledged the grave threat posed by Kush, referring to it as an “existential threat” due to its destructive influence on individuals and society.
The drug’s induction of hypnotic high-lasting hours has contributed to its allure among users despite its deadly consequences.
Medical professionals, including doctors from Freetown and the head of the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital, have witnessed firsthand the tragic outcomes of Kush addiction, with organ failure and other severe health issues leading to a significant increase in hospital admissions in recent years.
Statistics reveal a staggering 4,000% rise in admissions related to Kush between 2020 and 2023, prompting urgent action from the government, including the establishment of a task force dedicated to eradicating the drug and providing comprehensive care and support for those battling addiction.
President Bio’s declaration of a state of emergency regarding drug abuse, particularly focused on Kush, has been welcomed by experts as a crucial step towards addressing the root causes of addiction and preventing further loss of life.
Efforts to combat Kush addiction will involve setting up specialized centers across districts staffed by trained professionals, aiming to provide effective treatment and support for individuals struggling with drug dependency.
Witnesses to the drug’s effects have described it as transporting users to a nightmarish realm where self-awareness fades, likening its influence to something demonic. Despite witnessing the deaths of friends and acquaintances due to Kush-related complications, addicts continue to seek out the drug, highlighting the urgency of intervention measures.
The surge in Kush addiction in Sierra Leone has led to alarming social and health consequences, prompting government and medical responses to tackle this crisis head-on. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and policymakers aim to curb addiction rates, offer rehabilitation services, and ultimately save lives affected by this deadly psychoactive substance.
