Africa Faces Health Risks from New Drug Concoctions 'Kush', 'Khadafi', and 'Monkey Tail', UNODC Warns

The United Nations warns of potential health risks posed by new drug concoctions like 'kush', 'Khadafi', and 'Monkey Tail', which have unknown ingredients and may contain dangerous mixes of pharmaceuticals, alcohol, and solvents. These drugs, particularly prevalent in Africa, are contributing to a rise in drug abuse issues across the continent, prompting countries like Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast to address their use. The UN advocates for enhanced scientific testing to combat the threat of emerging drugs, noting the growing trafficking of other substances in Africa.

The United Nations (UN) has issued a warning regarding the potential health risks associated with the emergence of new drug concoctions in Africa, such as "kush," "Khadafi," and "Monkey Tail," which contain unknown ingredients and may consist of dangerous combinations of pharmaceuticals, alcohol, and solvents [1]. These substances, increasingly prevalent across the continent, are contributing to a surge in drug abuse issues and prompting countries like Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast to take action [2].

According to the World Drug Report 2023, these new drug concoctions represent a growing concern for health officials, as their composition and potency are often unknown, making it difficult to assess their risks [1]. The UN emphasizes the need for enhanced scientific testing to combat the threat of emerging drugs and combat the growing trafficking of other substances in Africa [1].

One such substance, khat, or Catha edulis, is a flowering plant commonly found in countries of the African Horn and the Arabian Peninsula [2]. The plant contains an alkaloid called cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant that can cause excitement, loss of appetite, and euphoria [2]. Although khat chewing has been a tradition in some of these countries for centuries, its emergence as a drug concoction poses unique health risks, as its potency and composition can vary significantly [2].

The UN's warning comes as the global drug market continues to evolve, with new substances and drug production methods emerging in response to changing consumer demand and law enforcement strategies [1]. As countries like Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast grapple with the health and social consequences of these new drug concoctions, the UN urges the international community to work together to address this growing challenge and promote evidence-based policies to combat drug abuse and protect public health.

References:

[1] United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2023). World Drug Report 2023. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2023.html
[2] Al-Juhaishi, T., Al-Kindi, S., & Gehani, A. (2012). Khat use: A review. Qatar Medical Journal, 2012(2), 1-6. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991038/

View Source