By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 1, 2025: The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced three women to lengthy prison terms after they pleaded guilty to charges of illegal drug possession, in violation of Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.
Honourable Justice Josephine F. Hinga delivered the ruling at the Main Law Courts Building in Freetown, sentencing Adama Kamara and Yeanoh Kargbo to 30 years imprisonment each, while Sia Kamara received 15 years.
Details of the Arrests
- On April 25, 2025, police officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), led by D/SP Andrew Rhonkoh, raided a residence at No. 7 Mills Street, Eastern Police, Mabala.
- Adama Kamara was found with 800 grams of cannabis-sativa.
- Yeanoh Kargbo was arrested with 30 grams of kush.
- In a separate operation at No. 32 Mabel Brown Street, Rokupa, TOCU officers led by DSP Samuel A. Tucker discovered 1.8 kilograms of kush in the possession of Sia Kamara.
All three women pleaded guilty and were convicted.
Courtroom Arguments
During mitigation, defence lawyer C. Taylor-Young appealed for leniency, stressing that the women are young mothers and principal caregivers. He argued that long prison terms would not only serve deterrence but also leave their children vulnerable.
State prosecutor J.K. Jan-Abu, however, emphasized the seriousness of the offences, noting that the drugs seized are among those “destroying the lives of our youths.”
Judge’s Ruling
In her judgment, Justice Hinga acknowledged the convicts’ roles as mothers but underscored the devastating impact of drug abuse on Sierra Leone’s youth. She stressed that sentencing serves both as deterrence and as a safeguard for society against dangerous offenders.
“On this note, I hereby sentence the convict Adama Kamara to thirty (30) years imprisonment, Yeanoh Kargbo to thirty (30) years imprisonment and Sia Kamara to fifteen years imprisonment,” Justice Hinga declared.
She further ordered that the seized substances be destroyed under the supervision of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Deputy Master and Registrar of the High Court, and other relevant authorities, with a destruction certificate to be submitted to the court.
Official Statement
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications Unit confirmed the ruling and reiterated its commitment to tackling drug-related offences.
For more information, the Judiciary Communications Unit can be reached at +232 76 617548 / +232 78 244739 / +232 79 101086, or via the official website www.judiciary.gov.sl and social media platforms.