Synthetic Drug Kush, First Seen in Sierra Leone 2022, Spreads Across West Africa with UK Ingredients, 25x Stronger Than Fentanyl

The synthetic drug known as kush, first identified in Sierra Leone in 2022, has rapidly spread across much of West Africa, causing severe social and health impacts. Variants of kush can be up to 25 times stronger than fentanyl, contributing to widespread addiction and physical harm, including sores eating away at users' legs. The drug's ingredients are reportedly shipped from the UK, exacerbating concerns about its international supply chain. Sky News correspondent Yousra Elbagir has reported extensively on the devastation caused by kush, including accompanying police in The Gambia during searches for dealers. The drug's rapid proliferation has deeply affected communities, with teenagers and adults alike suffering from addiction. Meanwhile, other synthetic drugs such as scopolamine in Latin America and xylazine, known as the "zombie drug," are also raising alarm due to their dangerous effects and combinations with substances like fentanyl and heroin.