The discovery of a new narcotic substance allegedly containing human bones and turning users into “zombies” is causing global consternation in Sierra Leone.

‘Kush’ is a synthetic drug made from toxic chemicals, herbs, cannabis, disinfectants and human bone fragments – reports the Daily Star.

It is estimated that it sends about a dozen users to their deaths every week, while massively, on the sidelines of its growing demand are the phenomena of grave-digging by drug dealers who steal the bones of dead people in order to produce the substance.

The exact ingredients can vary from batch to batch, but killer opioids like fentanyl are also often used.

Some argue that the traces of sulfur contained in the bones enhance the effect of the substance.

The drug has also appeared in Guinea and Liberia, two countries that share a land border with Sierra Leone.

The drug is highly addictive, from the first time it is used, and expensive, costing around 9 euros – a small fortune in a country where the annual per capita income is under 500 euros.

So to secure their next dose many users turn to either prostitution or illegality.

Last November, government officials, religious leaders, civil society groups and youth organizations met in a hotel in South Africa to develop a workable and more accountable solution to Sierra Leone’s drug crisis.

During the UN-sponsored meeting, Melrose Karminty, Minister for Social Welfare, revealed that the government is seeking to decriminalize and reintegrate users.

“We want to give meaning to the lives of the victims after they are cured and to institute corrective measures for their rehabilitation and reintegration into their respective communities,” the minister emphasized.

The country’s government plans to establish a detoxification center to support the rehabilitation and recovery of these people.