The National Taskforce on Drugs and Substance Abuse issued an urgent update today, revealing eight new clinical cases of suspected “Kush” abuse, pushing the national total to 161 since the outbreak began in early 2024. The synthetic cannabinoid, known for causing severe symptoms like swollen tongues, drooling, and restlessness, has claimed 14 lives, maintaining a grim case fatality rate of 9.2%.
The crisis erupted in February 2024 when the Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) Programme flagged a surge in the Western-1 Health Region. Initial hotspots included Kanifing General Hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and Serekunda Health Center. By April 22, 2024, 153 cases and 14 deaths were logged. The spread has since widened, with facilities in Banjulinding, Sukuta, Brufut, Essau, New Yundum, Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, Ndemban Clinic, and Faji-Kunda Health Center now reporting incidents.
In response, the Ministry of Health deployed a specialized line-listing tool for enhanced surveillance and data analysis. An inter-ministerial task force was established, uniting health officials, security forces, civil society, international partners, and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) to form a unified front against the threat.
As of October 27, 2025, no additional deaths have been recorded, but enforcement efforts have intensified. DLEAG intercepted 30 new cases, bringing the total interdicted individuals to 219 – predominantly males (214) with five females. Nationalities include 152 Gambians, 54 Sierra Leoneans, four Senegalese, three Nigerians, five from Guinea Conakry, and one from Guinea-Bissau.
Seizures in October alone totaled 1.27 kilograms of “Kush,” bringing the cumulative haul to 12.29 kilograms. Taskforce Communications Officer Omar Conteh praised frontline health workers and law enforcers for their dedication amid the public health emergency.
Authorities urge communities, parents, and youth to stay alert and report any suspicions to nearby health facilities or security agencies by contacting 3704790 or 2523093. The task force emphasizes vigilance as the key to curbing this escalating menace.
