By George M.O. Williams
Abdul Sesay, 19, dropped out of school due to the death of his stepmother after taking the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in 2021. Since then, he has been living on the streets of Freetown.
In July 2021, Abdul had his first experience with “kush” (K2), a mixture of various chemicals and plants that imitate the natural properties of cannabis. A friend introduced him to it during a house party in Lumley. He mentioned that he is now addicted and cannot go an hour or two without it. To sustain his addiction, he collects and disposes of domestic waste and transports goods for traders at the Lumley Market.
After gathering some funds, he spends his days with his companions smoking ‘kush’ in an improvised structure under the Juba Bridge. However, months of using ‘kush’ have taken a toll on Abdul’s health. His left foot swelled, leading him to seek medical assistance at a Lumley pharmacy.
Medication was prescribed to reduce the swelling, but his condition did not improve. Despite the adverse effects on his health, he persisted in using the drug due to its addictive nature. Abdul’s foot developed itches and started peeling, leaving it sensitive and painful upon contact.
Abdul now walks with a limp due to the wounds and swelling, causing him significant discomfort. Adolescent substance abuse is an escalating public health issue in Africa, with recent studies estimating a prevalence of 42% among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Substance abuse involves the harmful use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, leading to detrimental health consequences.
Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit substance in the African Region. The highest prevalence and increase in use are observed in West and Central Africa, with rates ranging from 5.2% to 13.5%. Amphetamine-type stimulants like “ecstasy” and methamphetamine have become the second most abused drug category in Africa. In Sierra Leone, children and youth also use benzodiazepines and various inhalants, with 3.7% resorting to injecting drugs.
In recent years, harmful drugs have proliferated in West Africa, with ‘Kush’ emerging as a prominent concern in Sierra Leone and the West African Region. Kush is a synthetic drug containing a blend of toxic chemicals that are even more hazardous than traditional marijuana.
Kush’s Destructive Impact
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, a consultant at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital (SLPTH), attributed the swollen feet, organ failures, and premature deaths associated with ‘kush’ to its psychoactive chemicals. The Executive Director of Social Linkages for Youth Development, Habib Taigore Kamara, explained that the chemical composition of ‘kush’ is made up of various components, and any plant leaves can be used. The critical factor is the psychoactive substances mixed in.
Kamara revealed that elements like formalin, fingernail polish remover, and even bones of the deceased are combined to produce ‘kush.’ The formulation has evolved over time, with more harmful components added, posing a grave threat to the youth. The misuse of drugs and alcohol among young people is increasing, necessitating a comprehensive solution to address public health, development, and national security concerns.
Escalating Mental Health Cases
The impact of harmful drugs is evident in the rising number of patients at the psychiatric hospital, where males aged 15 to 34 constitute the majority. ‘Kush’ alone accounts for over 60% of mental health cases at the hospital.
Sierra Leone, like many countries, faces a significant challenge with harmful drugs among young people, as evidenced by the increasing number of drug-related cases at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital.
Efforts by the Security Sector
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made strides in arrests, seizures, and investigations related to harmful drugs. Although laws against the use and trafficking of hazardous substances used in producing ‘kush’ are enforced by state security, challenges persist.
The agency maintains vigilance in monitoring drug-related activities and apprehending traffickers or users. However, public education faces resistance from sectors in denial of the effects and national security implications, contributing to the surge in harmful drug use.
Government and Kush Abuse
The Sierra Leone Police Crime Statistics Report of 2022 indicates that 38 cases resulted in charges for the unlawful possession of Cannabis Sativa, with three cases under investigation. In December 2022, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) disposed of 1946.1kg of Cannabis Sativa that had been held by the court for years.
Addressing Drug Abuse
Efforts to counter the sale, distribution, and consumption of harmful drugs lack a sustainable solution. According to Kamara, law enforcement has not adequately addressed the supply of ‘kush.’ Targeting supply routes could reduce the demand and supply of drugs.
In conclusion, Sierra Leone’s battle with ‘kush’ highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat harmful drug abuse among its youth.