This clearly tells one about the hard fact of drug abuse especially the youth. It's said that youth are the future of any nation. However, this lofty ambition could only come to reality when they stay away from illicit substance abuse.
It is disheartening to note that the West African sub-region is fast becoming the epicentre of new drug substance ‘kush’ which is claiming the lives of its abusers on a daily basis.
Manufactured and distributed by a gang of criminals, "the drug is an amalgamation of the various chemicals and plants that mimic the natural (cannabinoid). This synthetically-made drug surfaced half a dozen years ago, although its composition is sketchy, according to those familiar with it.
What is even alarming is that hardly a day passes, without reading it in the news, about fatalities related to this drug.
In addition, this substance abuse is sending a lot of youth to the physiatrist units because their brains can no longer accommodate the substance. Locally manufactured, this cheap synthetic drug has and continues to wreak havoc on the lives of its users especially in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
And now, it appears the killer drug has penetrated our porous borders as seen in the recent fatalities attributed to its use.
Those familiar with this drug say it is a concoction of chemicals and plants, but it can be made with a range of ingredients such as human bones.
What still remains unknown is what attracts the growing number of youth to have a taste of this substance. However, for whatever reasons, there is a well established fact that its severity far outweighs its benefits.
Recently, Police have arrested three suspects following a raid at a compound in the Kololi vicinity. This clearly signals that the drug is fast penetrating our borders.
To this end, we call on the government to wage a war on this new drug. Authorities need to act now and minimize the fatalities associated with its abuse. There is the need to create more awareness about the dangers of this substance.
Certainly, to minimize the dangers associated with this drug, young people must avoid taking hard drugs if they want to live meaningful lives.