UN: Suicide bombers are using 'upper' and 'downer' drugs before attacks

The UN Drug and Crime Enforcement Agency has found drugs like Tramadol and Captagon in the pockets of suicide bombers.

The UN Drug and Crime Enforcement Agency has warned of a rise in trafficking of a drug called tramadol across West Africa, which is used just before suicide attacks.

The officials revealed the drug is being found in the pockets of suicide bombers.

EWN Africa correspondent JJ Cornish says this drug has been banned in most countries but its been trafficked from Asia and been fed to children to commit suicide bombing.

Another drug that's been used by Islamic States in Syria is called Captagon - a lot of terrorists have become addicted to it.

JJ Cornish, Africa Correspondent

Captagon is a brand name of the drug Fenethylline, a combination of amphetamine and theophylline which will have the effect of an 'upper'. Tramadol creates a sense of pleasure often compared to a morphine high. Both drugs are highly addictive.

It is also believed that the perpetrators of Paris bombing last year also used these drugs. So it seems that many of these suicide bombings are drugs induced.

JJ Cornish, Africa Correspondent

To hear more of this report by JJ Cornish, listen below:

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