Two young men are dead following suspected use of the dangerous synthetic drug known locally as “Kush,” reigniting concern over the growing drug crisis affecting Gambian youth.
The community of Jambur is in mourning after the sudden death of Abdoulie Danso, a man in his mid-20s, who reportedly collapsed shortly after being seen at the village football field on Saturday, 12 July 2025. He was confirmed dead the following day and buried that same evening in accordance with Islamic tradition.
In a separate but similarly troubling case, police in Old Yundum reported that another young man, Ousman Jallow, also collapsed on Saturday after allegedly smoking Kush. He was rushed to Kanifing General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Gambia Police Force has launched investigations into both deaths. Speaking to JollofNews, Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Modou Musa Sissawo confirmed the incidents and reiterated the force’s warning against drug use. “We continue to urge the public, especially young people, to avoid harmful substances like Kush,” he said. “The health risks are serious and often deadly.”
Kush, a synthetic drug with unpredictable and often severe effects, has been linked to a growing number of deaths and psychiatric cases across the country. While originally thought to be a type of synthetic cannabis, many samples are laced with unknown chemical substances, making its effects highly dangerous and often irreversible.
Health authorities and community leaders have repeatedly warned about the spread of the drug, which is often cheap and easily accessible. The deaths of Danso and Jallow have once again brought the issue to the forefront, sparking fresh calls for community action and government intervention.
Police are calling on the public to remain vigilant and to report any information related to drug trafficking or abuse. As investigations continue, both communities are left grieving, united in shock and sorrow over two lives cut tragically short.
