Sierra Leone has plunged into a state of emergency as addicts resort to desecrating graves to obtain a potent drug made from human bones, sparking a national outcry and a desperate battle against the deadly substance known as “kush.”
Reports from the BBC reveal a chilling trend in the West African nation, where a psychoactive drug named “kush,” crafted from ground-up human bones among other toxic ingredients, has created a nightmarish scenario. The drug induces a hypnotic high, leading addicts to dig up graves in a disturbing quest for their next hit.
President Julius Maada Bio has declared an existential threat due to the devastating impact of drugs and substance abuse, particularly the synthetic drug “Kush,” which has resulted in escalating fatalities among users. In response, a national task force has been established to eradicate the drug scourge, with plans for specialized care centers in every district to support individuals grappling with addiction.
The gravity of the situation has prompted urgent measures to break the drug supply chain through comprehensive investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. Despite these efforts, Sierra Leone’s sole functioning drug rehabilitation center in Freetown faces challenges, described as more of a holding center than a fully-equipped rehab facility.
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, head of the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital, praises the emergency declaration as a crucial step in addressing drug abuse, a sentiment echoed by experts grappling with a staggering increase in Kush-related illnesses and fatalities in recent years.
The sinister rise of the “Zombie” drug underscores a harrowing reality in Sierra Leone, where the quest for a deadly high has led to a macabre practice of grave robbery, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat drug addiction and its devastating consequences.
As the nation grapples with this unprecedented crisis, international attention and support are crucial in aiding Sierra Leone’s efforts to stem the tide of drug abuse and safeguard its population from the horrors of the Kush epidemic.
Sources By Agencies
