Freetown, 6th October 2026- The British High Commission in Sierra Leone has strongly denied allegations that the United Kingdom is a major source of chemicals used in the production of kush, the synthetic drug that has fueled a growing public health crisis across the country.
The response follows comments attributed to a Strategic Communications Adviser at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, which linked the UK to substances allegedly used in the manufacture of the drug.
The allegation was based on findings from a February 2025 report titled “Kush in Sierra Leone: West Africa’s Growing Synthetic Drugs Challenge,” published by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) and the Clingendael Institute.
The report identified China, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as sources of chemicals or active ingredients reportedly used in the production of kush in Sierra Leone and other parts of West Africa.
In a clarification statement issued on October 5, 2026, the British High Commission rejected the claim, stating that it had thoroughly reviewed the allegations and found no evidence that chemicals linked to drug production had been imported from the UK into Sierra Leone.
“The UK takes credible allegations relating to drug trafficking seriously and will investigate evidence of criminality wherever it exists,” the statement said.
The Commission acknowledged that marshmallow leaf, a herb that is legal in both the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, is occasionally imported from the UK. However, it stressed that the substance is not psychoactive in its natural state and therefore cannot be classified as an illicit drug ingredient.
“We are aware of the occasional importation of a herb, marshmallow leaf, from the UK to Sierra Leone, which has reportedly been used in the production of kush. However, in its natural state, it is not a psychoactive substance and is legal in the UK and Sierra Leone,” the statement noted.
The High Commission said it remains ready to investigate any credible evidence linking UK-based individuals or networks to drug trafficking activities affecting Sierra Leone and urged local authorities to share any such information.
It further emphasized that tackling the drug crisis requires collective action by national authorities and international partners.
“The UK is keen to be part of any solution and is not immune to criticism where it is based on evidence,” the statement said. “The UK is ready to review and act decisively on any information concerning alleged UK links to the drugs trade in Sierra Leone.”
The Commission also encouraged the Government of Sierra Leone to continue investigating drug-related allegations within the country as part of broader efforts to combat the spread of kush.
When contacted by Truth Media for a response, Strategic Communications Adviser Mohamed Jaward Nyallay said he had no further comments on the matter.
The exchange comes amid growing concern over the devastating impact of kush on young people in Sierra Leone, with authorities, health experts and international partners seeking ways to curb the trafficking and production of the highly addictive substance.
