UK Government Denies Supplying Chemicals for Kush Production in Sierra Leone
Tolulope Aina The British High Commission in Sierra Leone has rejected claims that the United Kingdom is a major source of chemicals used in drug production in Sierra Leone.
In a clarification statement issued on October 5, 2026, the High Commission said it had noted comments attributed to a Strategic Communications Adviser for the Ministry of Information and Civic Education suggesting that the UK was a major source of chemicals used in the production of drugs in Sierra Leone.
“We refute this accusation,” the British High Commission said.
The mission said the allegation was linked to a report published in February 2025 by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, which it said had been thoroughly reviewed by UK authorities.
According to the High Commission, its review found no evidence of chemicals linked to drug production being imported from the UK into Sierra Leone. The British authorities, however, acknowledged that marshmallow leaf, a herb occasionally imported from the UK to Sierra Leone, has reportedly been used in the production of Kush.
The High Commission stressed that marshmallow leaf in its natural state is not a psychoactive substance and is legal in both the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone.
The statement comes amid continuing concerns over the spread and impact of Kush, a drug that has become a major public health and security concern in Sierra Leone.
The British High Commission said it recognises the “devastating impact” of Kush on young people in the country and called on the Sierra Leone Government to share any credible information pointing to criminal activity linked to the UK.
It said such information would allow British authorities to investigate and disrupt suspected criminal activity.
“We remain ready to act and engage with the relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute criminal activity emanating from the UK,” the statement said.
The High Commission also said the UK was willing to consider evidence of alleged British links to the drugs trade in Sierra Leone while encouraging Sierra Leonean authorities to continue investigating and addressing drug-related allegations within the country.
“Tackling the harmful impact of drugs and drug trafficking in Sierra Leone is a priority which relies on effective action from all relevant authorities and partners working together,” the statement added.