Alarming Findings from Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau Highlight Emerging Drug Threat
For the first time, traces of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes have been detected in drug users in Africa. This revelation comes from a report released by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), indicating a worrying trend in the drug markets of Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.
Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that have been prevalent in Western countries and parts of Asia, often linked to overdose deaths due to their extreme potency. Some nitazenes can be up to 100 times more potent than heroin and 10 times more potent than fentanyl. This high potency means even small amounts can lead to significant effects, increasing the risk of overdose and death among users.
The report’s findings are based on chemical testing of a drug known locally as “kush,” which is a derivative of cannabis mixed with synthetic substances like fentanyl, tramadol, and chemicals such as formaldehyde. In Sierra Leone, 83% of the kush samples tested positive for nitazenes, while in Guinea-Bissau, 55% of the samples contained these potent opioids.
The detection of nitazenes in African drug markets is a significant concern. “These results are the first indication that nitazenes have penetrated retail drug markets in Africa,” stated the GI-TOC report. The widespread use of kush, especially among young people, means that many are likely ingesting these dangerous substances without being aware of the severe risks involved.
In response to the growing drug problem, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has declared war on kush, labeling it an epidemic and a national threat. However, the report emphasizes the urgent need for chemical testing equipment to accurately monitor and respond to the illicit drug markets in Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and the wider subregion.
The presence of nitazenes in African drug markets marks a troubling development in the region’s drug landscape. Immediate and concerted efforts are required to tackle this emerging threat, including the deployment of chemical testing technologies and the development of evidence-based interventions to mitigate the risks posed by these highly potent synthetic opioids.
