“Instant Cock N Fire”- May Lead to Death
By: Nafisatu O Deen
Freetown, 1st September 2025- At PZ, one of Freetown’s busiest intersections in the heart of Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown, drug peddler Alie Komeh sells daily. Not food, not wears, but aphrodisiacs, with his table in plain sight. From Dragon Spray to Night King tablets, sexual performance enhancers have become the secret weapon for many men seeking to impress in the bedroom. But behind the show lies a growing dependency and a dangerous health crisis.
“Men buy these products frequently. I make huge sales, sometimes over NLe 500 a day,” Komeh says. Dragon Spray one of the most common products goes for NLe120, while tablets cost just 5 Leones per card. “We negotiate,” he adds.
Abdulai Conteh, a regular user, doesn’t mince words. “Before, my partner and I would engage in foreplay before I could get an erection. But now, with these products, it’s instant cock and fire,” he says with a smile. Showing off his arsenal: Dragon Spray, Night King, Viagra, mint gum and even aphrodisiac chewing tablets.
For Abdulai, these products are not just enhancers, they are essentials. “Without them, it’s like taking a car on a road trip and breaking down just before the destination,” he says. “You can provide everything for a woman, but if you don’t satisfy her sexually, she’ll look elsewhere.”
Doctors say the trend is more than physical, it’s psychological. “People believe they can’t perform without these drugs,” says Dr. Waheed Awonuga, who is currently pursuing specialization in family medicine “That dependency rewires their confidence and creates a cycle of reliance.”
Dr. Alpha Sorie Bangura agrees. “Aphrodisiacs work by boosting blood flow, testosterone, and pleasure chemicals like dopamine. But when misused, they can cause serious harm.”
According to Dr Awonuga a 2022 Ministry of Health survey estimates 18–22% of young men in urban Sierra Leone have experimented with sexual performance enhancers, often without prescriptions or medical guidance.
The risks are real. “Unregulated aphrodisiacs can lead to heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and even genital damage,” Dr. Awonuga explains. “Long-term use may cause kidney failure, infertility and death.”
Dr. Bangura adds that young people are especially vulnerable. “Without a medical diagnosis for erectile dysfunction or infertility, using these substances is dangerous. They can trigger hypotension, respiratory issues, and sudden death, especially in those with asthma, heart disease, or neurological conditions.”
Even tramadol, a prescription painkiller, is misused for sexual enhancement. “It’s addictive and toxic,” Dr. Waheed warns. “It damages the kidneys and creates psychological dependence.”
While men chase performance, women are left navigating the emotional fallout. Aminata, 23, says she’s open to the idea, if it’s done with honesty. “If it helps both of us enjoy intimacy, fine. But if he hides it or depends on it too much, I’d be worried.”
Isata sees both sides. “It shows he wants to satisfy me, which I appreciate. But if it becomes constant, it feels like he’s relying on products instead of emotional connection.”
Alima on the other hand is less forgiving. “I’d be very annoyed, especially if it changes the experience or is done secretly.”
On her part Christiana says, “It can make me feel insecure. Maybe there’s a medical issue he’s not sharing.”
Despite the risks, pharmacies and street vendors continue to sell products like Sildenafil (Viagra) and herbal mixtures with little oversight. “Police raid us sometimes,” admits Komeh. “We are not licensed, so it’s risky.”
In all of this, doctors call for tighter regulation and public education. “These products should never be used without medical supervision,” Dr. Bangura insists.
Dr. Sahr Gbomor is Head of Information and Communication at the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone. He says the regulatory framework is in place for products such as sexual enhancement drugs, which are classified as Class A prescription medicines. These products, he notes, are brought into the country by licensed importers and are formally registered upon arrival.
“Once registered, our routine inspection teams monitor their distribution to ensure full compliance with national pharmaceutical standards. These drugs are available in pharmacies nationwide, offered in various brands and strengths. Our registration system, coupled with ongoing surveillance, allows us to track and regulate these products effectively, ensuring they are safely and responsibly dispensed to the public.”
Doctors say there are alternatives; they recommend lifestyle changes, regular exercise, balanced diets, stress management, and sleep as natural ways to boost libido and performance.
“Sexual health isn’t just about stamina,” says Dr. Waheed. “It’s about confidence, connection and care.”
Meanwhile, the manpower trade continues in full view of authorities, unregulated, unspoken and increasingly risky. The question remains: will men choose the thrill of the Dragon, or the safety of self-awareness?
