- Highly potent opioids, nitazenes, a drug up to 100 times more potent than heroin, were found in 83% of drug samples in Sierra Leone and 55% in Guinea-Bissau.
- This discovery marks a dangerous escalation in the African drug crisis.
- Nitazenes has been linked to overdose deaths in Western countries and parts of Asia.
The persistent menace of drug and substance abuse is set to worsen with new revelations that for the first time, traces of highly potent opioids, known as nitazenes, have been found among hard drug users in Africa. This discovery was made by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, a non-profit organization, through an extensive report released this week.
Nitazenes, synthetic opioids notorious for their potency, have previously been linked to overdose deaths in Western countries and parts of Asia. Their newfound presence in Africa marks a dangerous escalation in the continent’s drug crisis.
The potency and peril nitazenes poses in African drug crisis
Nitazenes are not just any synthetic opioids; they are extraordinarily potent. Some variants can be up to 100 times more powerful than heroin and up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl. This means users can achieve a significant effect with a much smaller dose, dramatically increasing the risk of overdose and death. The GI-TOC report, focusing on Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, revealed that these substances had infiltrated local drug markets, particularly within the synthetic cannabis product known as kush.
Alarming findings from chemical testing
The GI-TOC’s findings are grounded in rigorous chemical testing. Samples of kush, a derivative of cannabis mixed with synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and tramadol, were tested for their chemical composition.
In Sierra-Leone, a staggering 83 percent of the samples tested positive for nitazenes. In Guinea-Bissau, the figure was 55 percent. These results mark the first confirmed presence of nitazenes in African drug markets, signaling a new highly dangerous chapter in the continent’s ongoing struggle with drug abuse.
The Kush Epidemic
Kush has become a huge concern in Sierra Leone, with President Julius Maada Bio declaring a national emergency over drugs, largely due to its devastating impact. Kush is a synthetic drug usually consisting of marshmallow leaf sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids and nitazenes.
Its consumption is widespread among the youth, with users reporting effects that range from relaxation to complete numbness, depending on the potency. The short-lived effects, typically lasting between 5 and 30 minutes, make it a frequent choice for continuous use, contributing to its addictive nature.
Kush affordability has also played a role in its widespread use. In Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown, the price of kush has steadily increased from 5 Sierra Leonean Leones (SLL) in 2020 to 15-20 (about $0.5-1.0) in April 2024, likely due to intensified law enforcement efforts.
In contrast, the price in Bissau was CFA 1,000 ($1.60) in June 2024, highlighting regional price variations influenced by local market dynamics and law enforcement activities.
The need for enhanced chemical testing and response
The report says there is urgent need for chemical testing equipment in Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau to monitor and tackle drug abuse effectively. Without accurate chemical testing, it is challenging for governments to develop evidence-based responses to the evolving drug menace. The GI-TOC advocates for the deployment of such equipment as a crucial first step in addressing the issue.
The discovery of nitazenes in kush indicates that these potent substances are likely being imported into Sierra Leone and then distributed within the region. The similarity in the chemical composition of kush found in both Freetown and Bissau suggests a shared supply chain, further complicating efforts to control the spread of these dangerous drugs in Africa.
Historical context and ongoing challenges
The emergence of kush in Sierra Leone dates back to around 2016, with its presence now reported in other countries across the sub-region, including Guinea, Liberia, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal.
This unraveling addiction crisis, particularly among the youth aged between 20 and 35, has been exacerbated by the lack of reliable data and chemical testing to identify the true composition of the drugs being consumed.
Before the recent findings, the contents of kush were suspected to include various harmful substances such as fentanyl, acetone, formaldehyde, tramadol, and even human bones. The confirmed presence of nitazenes now adds a new layer of complexity and danger to the drug’s profile.
Recommendations and steps to tackle highly potent opioids
To combat this roiling crisis, the GI-TOC, in collaboration with the Clingendael Institute, has recommended several key actions. These include:-
- Deploying chemical testing equipment: Governments within this drug belt must equip law enforcement and health agencies with the necessary tools to conduct accurate chemical testing of drugs. This will enable more precise monitoring and regulation of the drug market.
- Developing evidence-based responses: With reliable data, policymakers can craft informed strategies to address drug abuse, focusing on both prevention and intervention.
- Strengthening regional cooperation: Given the transnational nature of the drug trade, countries in the sub-region must enhance cooperation to tackle the shared challenges posed by synthetic drugs such as nitazenes.
- Public awareness campaigns: Raising awareness about the dangers of nitazenes and other synthetic drugs is crucial. Education campaigns targeting young people, who are the most affected, can help reduce the demand for these substances.
Overall, the discovery of nitazenes among hard drug users in Africa is a sobering reminder of the continent’s vulnerability to global drug trends. These potent synthetic opioids pose a severe threat to public health, necessitating urgent and coordinated action from governments, civil society, and international partners.
Read also: African airlines’ revenues and seat numbers hit new highs in 2024
