Recent findings have revealed the presence of nitazenes, a class of powerful synthetic opioids, in the drug consumption patterns of individuals in Africa. Nitazenes, known for their potency, have been linked to overdose deaths in Western countries and Asia. These opioids can be significantly stronger than heroin and fentanyl, posing a heightened risk of overdose and fatality due to their potency.
The report, focusing on Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau, highlighted that a significant percentage of kush samples, a cannabis derivative mixed with synthetic drugs and chemicals, contained nitazenes. In Sierra Leone, 83% of the samples tested positive for nitazenes, while in Guinea-Bissau, the figure stood at 55%.
