Sierra Leone Judiciary has convicted and sentenced 20 individuals on prohibited drugs charges over the past two months, the country’s judiciary announced Monday, as part of an expedited drive to tackle narcotics trafficking.
In a public notice, the judiciary stated that since October 25, the court has concluded 20 out of 80 assigned drug-related cases, securing convictions in all. The cases, fast-tracked by order of the Chief Justice, involved offences including unlawful possession, transportation, and collection of prohibited drugs.
Sentences ranged from 10 to 40 years imprisonment, with all convictions resulting in custodial sentences without the option of a fine, “in line with the seriousness of the offences,” the notice said.
Among those sentenced was Newton Johnson, who received 40 years for collecting and possessing prohibited drugs on November 11. On November 20, Jelika Conteh was sentenced to 30 years for transporting and possessing drugs. The list includes a court officer, Mohamed Dumbuya, an ODS Officer, who received a 25-year sentence on November 28 for unlawful possession.
The judiciary stated the convicted individuals are both Sierra Leoneans and foreign nationals, including citizens of Nigeria, Liberia, and Tanzania. It said the outcomes demonstrate the law is applied “without fear or favour, irrespective of nationality or status.”
The High Court is continuing to hear the remaining drug-related cases. The judiciary said it will provide further updates in the coming year.
