By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Edward Bangura to fifteen years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the offence of illegal possession of the prohibited drug kush.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, 20th November 2025, Hon. Justice Cosmotina Jarrett (J) ruled that Bangura’s conviction under Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008 reflects the seriousness of the offence and the devastating impact of narcotics on Sierra Leone’s youth.
Case Background
According to evidence presented in court, Bangura was arrested on 12th May 2025 in Freetown by police officers attached to the Lumley Police Station. He was found asleep in an unregistered vehicle during a routine patrol along Kallon Drive, off Regent Road, Lumley.
A search revealed eighty-nine wraps of substances weighing 50 grams. Chemical analysis confirmed the substance to be kush, a controlled narcotic drug. Bangura admitted ownership of the drugs and pleaded guilty immediately after the charge was read in court.
Court Decision
Prosecuting Counsel E.A. Deen Esq. emphasized the gravity of the offence. In her ruling, Justice Jarrett noted that while the convict did not waste the court’s time, the seriousness of the crime warranted a strong sentence to serve as a deterrent to others.
Bangura was sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment. Additionally, Justice Jarrett ordered that the 50 grams of kush be destroyed in the presence of the Director of Public Prosecution or his representatives, the Deputy Master and Registrar of the High Court, and other officials. A destruction certificate is to be filed with the court within seven working days.