The Gambia Police Force has opened an investigation into the death of 19-year-old Dawda Ceesay from Manduar, who died over the weekend at Brikama District Hospital.
Authorities suspect his death was linked to the consumption of kush, a highly dangerous synthetic drug that has been spreading rapidly across the sub region.
His body has been sent to the morgue for a possible post-mortem examination.
Police have urged young people in particular to stay away from kush and other harmful substances, citing the severe health and life risks involved.
The alert comes amid a regional crisis triggered by the proliferation of kush, which combines synthetic opioids and artificial cannabinoids.
First identified in Sierra Leone, the drug has spread to Liberia, Guinea, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal.
Sierra Leone and Liberia both declared states of emergency in 2024 as the substance devastated communities.
Regional health experts warn that one compound in kush, protonitazepyne, is believed to be 25 times stronger than fentanyl, while its local production continues to fuel a regional market with grave human and social consequences.
