By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN – The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Hawa Dukuly to thirty-five (35) years in prison after she pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
On June 11, 2025, Dukuly was arrested in Lungi, North-West Region, with 800.4 grams of cocaine in her possession without lawful authority.
During her arraignment, Dukuly admitted guilt to the charge. Her defense counsel pleaded for leniency, highlighting that she is a mother of two and the principal caregiver for her children.
Delivering judgment, Honourable Justice Khalilah Diana Kamara emphasized that the gravity of the offence outweighed the plea in mitigation.
“Taking into consideration the nature of the offence, the guilty plea of the convict and plea in mitigation of the convict’s lawyer cannot mitigate the gravity and enormity of the offence committed,” Justice Kamara stated.
The judge underscored Sierra Leone’s ongoing battle against narcotics, stressing that harsh sentencing serves as a deterrent.
“The country is at a crossroad, and the national fight against the narcotic pandemic calls for a clear, decisive and unambiguous message of disapproval,” she added.
Justice Kamara ordered that the seized cocaine be destroyed under the supervision of appropriate authorities, with verifiable witnesses present. A certificate confirming the destruction must be filed with the court within seven working days of the exercise.