Sierra Leone declares drug abuse ‘national emergency’

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio declared Thursday that drug abuse was a “national emergency” and outlined steps to battle a synthetic substance popular among young people.

Kush, a combination of chemical compounds with effects comparable to cannabis, has been popular in the country for several years.

“It is my solemn duty as president… to declare a national emergency on drug abuse,” Bio said in an address to the nation.

“Our country is currently facing an existential threat due to the devastating impact of drugs and drug addiction, in particular the devastating synthetic drug kush,” he added.

cc: Vanguard Ng