FREETOWN, 6th October 2026 – The British High Commission has pushed back hard against claims that the United Kingdom is fuelling Sierra Leone’s deadly Kush epidemic, insisting there is no evidence that illicit drug chemicals are being shipped from the UK to Salone.
In a strongly worded clarification issued on October 5, the High Commission said it takes the allegation seriously but found nothing to support it after reviewing available information.
The reaction follows comments attributed to a Strategic Communications Adviser at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, who cited a February 2025 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) and the Clingendael Institute that listed the UK, China and the Netherlands as sources of chemicals used to make Kush.
The High Commission did not mince words in its denial.
“The UK takes credible allegations relating to drug trafficking seriously and will investigate evidence of criminality wherever it exists,” the statement said, adding that no evidence has been found of illicit chemicals being imported from the UK into Sierra Leone.
Only Marshmallow Leaf – And It’s Legal
The UK mission admitted that one product – marshmallow leaf, a common herb – is sometimes imported from the UK to Sierra Leone and has reportedly been used as a base to spray synthetic drugs on to produce Kush.
But it stressed that the leaf itself will not get you high.
“We are aware of the occasional importation of a herb, marshmallow leaf, from the UK to Sierra Leone, which has reportedly been used in the production of kush. However, in its natural state, it is not a psychoactive substance and is legal in the UK and Sierra Leone,” the Commission clarified.
In other words, the UK is not exporting Kush ingredients – only a legal herb that criminals in Sierra Leone are allegedly abusing.
“Bring the Evidence”
The High Commission challenged the Government of Sierra Leone to provide any credible evidence linking UK-based persons or networks to the drug trade, promising swift action if such proof exists.
“The UK is ready to review and act decisively on any information concerning alleged UK links to the drugs trade in Sierra Leone,” it said.
It also called on national authorities to intensify internal investigations into local production sites, trafficking routes and importers.
The statement concluded with a diplomatic but firm reminder: “The UK is keen to be part of any solution and is not immune to criticism where it is based on evidence.”
Kush, which has killed hundreds of young people and forced President Julius Maada Bio to declare drug abuse a national emergency in April 2024, remains one of Sierra Leone’s biggest public health threats, with rehabilitation centres in Freetown overwhelmed and families crying out for action.
