By: Ousman Saidykhan
A member of the National Assembly for Banjul North has intensified calls for the Gambia government, through the Ministry of Interior to “swiftly” and “decisively” address the menace of KUSH, a deadly drug reportedly made up of human bones and other substances.
Honourable Modou Lamin B. Bah made these remarks at the National Assembly while talking on the prevelance of “KUSH” as a matter of the day. He said the government has fallen short in curbing the growing manace of said drug in The Gambia.
“They should reinforce surveillance and put strict measures in place to discourage the drug trafficking situation in our country by strengthening border control, especially the primary entry points, to enhance law enforcement capabilities,” he said.
Seven new KUSH-related deaths and nineteen new clinical cases have been reported in the latest Situation Report of National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse, as of June 24, 2024.
The country now has 113 KUSH-relates case, with ages between 14 to 23 being the most affected age group, represent 61% of the entire reported cases, according to the situation report.
“Time for action is now. The future of Gambia’s youth, the stability of our communities, and the well-being of its citizens depends on the government ability to confront this crisis head-on. Failure to do so will lead to the further unraveling of the social fabric and the perpetuation of a cycle of addiction, crime, and dispair in our beloved country,” Hon. Bah said.
According to the Banjul North NAM, he had discovered, while making enquires about “Kush”, that the street value of the smallest unit of the toxic substance is D50.
The National Assembly Member for Old Yundum, Abdoulie Ceesay said massive sensitisation is needed to address the issue of drug, and suggest that it should start with the National Assembly Members.
Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yaya Menteng Sanyang said: “I heard the most essential raw material for Kush is human skeleton. And these human skeleton are from our graves. So the Ward Development Committees should employ immediately, watchmen in our graveyards to make sure youth do not access the particular raw material.”
