A recent investigative report by Clingendael and the Global Initiative has identified the Netherlands and the United Kingdom as the primary sources of Kush, a highly addictive and lethal synthetic drug wreaking havoc in Sierra Leone.
The findings, reported by Dutch news program Nieuwsuur, highlight the growing crisis as the West African nation struggles to contain the drug’s devastating impact.
Kush, a relatively new but cheap narcotic, contains synthetic cannabis and, in many cases, nitazenes—an extremely potent opioid far stronger than heroin. The drug has fueled a public health emergency, prompting President Julius Maada Bio to declare a state of emergency in April 2024.
The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with young people seen wandering the streets in a dazed state, and morgues reportedly overwhelmed by drug-related deaths.
Investigations reveal that the largest recorded Kush shipment seized in Sierra Leone—300 kilograms—originated from the Netherlands and was intercepted in early 2024.
A convicted Dutch drug smuggler has also been linked to the Kush trade, with reports suggesting that Dutch and British criminal networks play a key role in the drug’s distribution. Synthetic drugs from the Netherlands have surfaced in multiple West African countries, where criminal syndicates are allegedly involved in large-scale cannabis cultivation.
The crisis drew international attention in January when Dutch drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos, was spotted at the same New Year’s church service attended by President Bio. While there is no evidence directly linking him to the Kush trade, experts warn that Dutch criminals are increasingly active in West Africa’s narcotics market.
Clingendael researcher Kars de Bruijne described the region as a hotspot for Dutch drug traffickers, emphasizing that the Netherlands lacks sufficient oversight in West Africa. Currently, only four Dutch police liaisons in Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco are monitoring the region, raising concerns about inadequate law enforcement coordination.
Dutch authorities have downplayed the allegations, stating that there is no concrete evidence of the Netherlands being a key production or transit hub for Kush. However, officials acknowledge the need for heightened vigilance, particularly regarding synthetic drug exports.
With the crisis escalating in Sierra Leone, calls for international cooperation and stricter law enforcement measures are growing to combat the spread of Kush and its devastating effects.
