In our data science community, an interesting hypothesis was raised. “Kenyan security forces should test the bodies of the DUSIT attackers for drug abuse. While the terrorist are radicalized back home, they pump themselves with drugs before missions to dull their senses and that's how they are able to walk through forests like Boni from Somalia, covering abnormal distances in a few days without needing to rest and having no remorse when they meet the victims.”

“Apparently, this may seem to be the pattern in codeine-high gangs of Eastleigh and Mombasa according” another contributor said.

According to the mirror "It is cited as being used by fighters and terrorists for highs before battle and to combat both physical and mental stress". The times once reported that the opioid drug can have stimulating effects and has been used by fighters to combat fatigue and fear.

“Italian police have seized 24 million tramadol tablets in a shipping container on its way from India to Libya, disrupting a trafficking operation believed to have been set up by the Islamic State with assistance from the Calabrian mafia” Times.

As data scientists, we are part of the society and our zeal to have a positive contribution drives us to participate in offering mathematical expertise to solving global challenges. This is should be our space..

Is it possible to get drug consumption and abuse data in Kenya/Africa/World? This data can help us to map out the entire supply chain, how these drugs move around to eventually help the government flush out potential hideouts way before a terrorist incident is reported. Investigating the supply chain might direct us to the sponsors and suppliers as well.

We can apply machine learning and algorithmic processes to map out potential hideouts. This solution would not only help identify regions with high abuse but can also be used to track misuse of drugs in government hospitals.

One of the main challenges towards realizing this solution is the unavailability of data. Do you know of anyone who can provide this data! We would love to explore and probably contribute my few cents!

If this sounds interesting, please get in touch and let’s collaborate! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.