Sierra Leone Declares Emergency to Fight Human Bone-Made Drug
Sierra Leone has announced a national emergency because the people of the country are digging up and robbing graves of skeletons to get the main ingredient - the human bone of a new drug called “Ku
Sierra Leone, known for its stunning natural beauty, has been thrust into turmoil with the emergence of a deadly drug called "Kush," prompting President Julius Maada Bio to declare a national emergency on April 4, 2024. President Bio characterized Kush as a "death trap" and warned of its catastrophic impact on society.
Originating six years ago in West Africa itself, Kush resembles marijuana but poses far greater dangers. It is a psychoactive substance concocted from various toxic ingredients, including herbs, cannabis, and disinfectants, with the shocking addition of crushed-up human bones. This unusual ingredient, containing sulfur, induces a hypnotic high, leading to severe physical and mental impairment.
Despite its lethal effects, Kush has gained popularity among young men aged 18 to 25 in Sierra Leone, where criminal gangs produce, distribute, and sell it on the streets. Priced at five leones per joint, Kush consumption can reach alarming levels, with individuals known to consume up to 40 joints in a single day.
The drug's devastating impact is evident in the streets, where groups of young men, their bodies swollen from Kush abuse, are a common sight. The rising demand has led to a macabre phenomenon of grave robbing, as criminals pillage skeletons for the drug's main ingredient—human bones.
The consequences of Kush abuse have been catastrophic, with hundreds dead from organ failure and countless others suffering from severe physical and mental health issues. Kush users become dependent on the drug, unable to function without it, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction and despair.
In response to the crisis, Sierra Leone's government is taking decisive action. The Youth Development and Child Link ministry is establishing a National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse to implement comprehensive treatment and support structures across the country. Additionally, the government is cracking down on Kush manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers to dismantle the drug supply chain.
As Sierra Leone grapples with the scourge of Kush, the nation's leaders are united in their commitment to combatting this deadly threat and safeguarding the health and well-being of their citizens. Through concerted efforts and international support, Sierra Leone aims to overcome this crisis and emerge stronger than ever before.
