Sky News Daily Kush – the deadly drug wreaking havoc in West Africa
Jul 3, 2025
Yousra Elgabir, a Sky News Africa correspondent, investigates the alarming rise of the synthetic drug kush in West Africa. Originating in Sierra Leone, this potent drug, now found to contain nitazenes 25 times stronger than fentanyl, is wreaking havoc on communities. Elgabir shares heartbreaking personal stories from addicts and highlights how ingredients are shipped from the UK to fuel this crisis. The discussion underscores the dire health impacts and the urgent need for international cooperation to combat this escalating issue.
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Deadly Synthetic Drug Emerges
- Kush is a synthetic cannabinoid mixed with opioids, making it far deadlier than marijuana.
- It has killed thousands in West Africa since appearing in 2022.
Kush Contains Extremely Potent Opioids
- Variants of Kush in Sierra Leone contain nitazenes, which are 25 times stronger than fentanyl.
- The physical effects incapacitate users visibly and severely.
Addictive Opioid-Cannabinoid Mix
- Kush combines synthetic opioids with cannabinoids, enhancing its addictive properties.
- It capitalizes on an existing marijuana culture to spread rapidly.