Report Links Netherlands and UK to Growing Kush Drug Crisis in Sierra Leone

A recent investigative report by Clingendael and the Global Initiative has uncovered alarming evidence that the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are key sources of Kush, a potent synthetic drug that is causing significant public health crises in Sierra Leone.

Kush, a relatively new and highly addictive narcotic, primarily consists of synthetic cannabis and nitazenes, an opioid believed to be far more powerful than heroin. The drug’s abuse has escalated to alarming levels, prompting President Julius Maada Bio to declare a state of emergency in April 2024 in response to the crisis.

The report notes that the largest recorded shipment of Kush, weighing 300 kilograms, was intercepted in Sierra Leone and traced back to the Netherlands in early 2024. Investigations further reveal that a convicted Dutch drug smuggler is linked to the Kush trade, with Dutch and British criminal networks playing a significant role in its distribution.

Reportedly, synthetic drugs originating from the Netherlands have been observed in multiple West African nations. Investigators allege that international criminal syndicates are involved in cultivating large-scale cannabis operations, heightening the region’s drug problems.

The situation caught international media attention in January when Dutch drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos, was spotted at a church service alongside President Bio. Although there is no direct evidence linking him to the Kush trade, experts warn that Dutch criminals are becoming increasingly entrenched in West Africa’s narcotics market.

Kars de Bruijne, a researcher at Clingendael, has heavily criticized the insufficient oversight in the region, noting that currently only four Dutch police liaisons are operational in Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco to monitor drug activity. This lack of law enforcement coordination raises significant concerns about combating the expanding drug crisis.

In response to these findings, Dutch authorities have downplayed accusations, asserting that there is no definitive evidence that the Netherlands functions as a primary production or transit hub for Kush. Nonetheless, officials recognize the necessity for enhanced vigilance regarding the exportation of synthetic drugs.

As the crisis in Sierra Leone worsens, international voices have called for a greater collaboration and more stringent law enforcement measures to confront the spread of Kush and mitigate its devastating effects on communities.

The situation in Sierra Leone has deteriorated rapidly, particularly among the youth, who can be observed wandering the streets in a dazed state. Morgues throughout the country are reportedly overwhelmed with drug-related fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention.