In Sierra Leone, a chilling trend has emerged as drug addicts turn to a terrifying substance known as the ‘Zombie’ drug, crafted from human bones. The government has sounded the alarm, declaring a national emergency to tackle this grave menace.

With cemeteries becoming hotspots for this macabre practice, authorities are stepping up to guard burial grounds and prevent the desecration of graves for drug production. This ‘kush’, as it’s called, contains ground-up human bones among its ingredients, adding a disturbing twist to drug abuse.

The ‘Zombie’ drug made its debut in Sierra Leone back in 2018, offering users a hypnotic high that lasts for hours. But what started as a fringe issue has now ballooned into a major crisis for the local government.

President Julius Maada Bio has recognized the gravity of the situation, describing it as an “existential threat” to the nation. He’s mobilized a task force to combat the drug scourge, aiming to eradicate its influence from communities.

To address the growing number of drug-related illnesses, Sierra Leone is ramping up efforts to provide support and care for those struggling with addiction. The goal is to establish centers across every district staffed with trained professionals, offering a lifeline to those in need.

While an official death toll from ‘kush’ abuse is unavailable, admissions to the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Hospital linked to the drug have skyrocketed by a staggering 4,000% between 2020 and 2023. It’s a grim reminder of the urgent need to confront this crisis head-on and safeguard the well-being of Sierra Leone’s communities.