Africa-Press – Gambia. Gambian authorities have intensified their fight against drugs and other illegal substances with 30 new interdictions, bringing the total number of individuals arrested for “Kush” possession or distribution to 219 people.
This was disclosed by the National Taskforce on Drugs and Substance Abuse, which issued its latest update on the public health threat posed by the illicit substance locally known as “Kush.”
According to the task force, of the 219 people arrested for kush possession, 214 are males and five (5) are females. Among these, 152 are Gambians, 54 Sierra Leoneans, 4 Senegalese, 3 Nigerians, 5 Guineans (Conakry), and 1 Guinea-Bissauan.
The task force pointed out that law enforcement also seized 1.27 kilograms of “Kush” in October, raising the cumulative total confiscated to 12.29 kilograms.
Meanwhile, the National Taskforce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) Programme, and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), the taskforce continues to coordinate a national response.
According to Omar Conteh, Communications Officer for the National Taskforce, the EDC Programme first noted a surge in suspected “Kush” use in the Western-1 Health Region in early February 2024. Those affected displayed symptoms such as pain, swollen tongue and lips, drooling, and restlessness. By April 22, 2024, 153 cases and 14 deaths had been reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 9.2% per cent.
He says initially concentrated in Kanifing General Hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and Serekunda Health Center, the substance has now been reported in Banjulinding, Sukuta, Brufut, Essau, New Yundum, Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, Ndemban Clinic, and Faji-Kunda Health Center.
To enhance surveillance, the Ministry of Health introduced a line-listing tool to standardize data collection, analysis, and interpretation. An inter-ministerial task force, including representatives from health, security, civil society, international partners, and law enforcement, has been formed to ensure a coordinated response.
As of October 27, 2025, eight new clinical cases were reported, bringing the total to 161 cases. No new deaths were recorded, keeping fatalities at 14, maintaining the CFR at 9.2 percent.
The National Taskforce commended health workers, law enforcement officers, and partners for their continued efforts and urged communities, parents, and young people to remain vigilant. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected “Kush” use or distribution to the nearest health facility or security agency.
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