By Fatima Kpaka
The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Fatmata Kamara to 30 years imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
Kamara was arrested on June 12, 2025, at the Prince of Wales Secondary School compound in Kingtom, Freetown, where she was caught selling kush disguised as sachets of cool water. Police found 40 grams of the prohibited substance in her possession.
Initially charged at the Magistrate’s Court with selling and dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority under Section 7(c) of the Act, Kamara pleaded not guilty. The matter was later committed to the High Court for trial, where she eventually changed her plea to guilty.
In mitigation, defense lawyer C. Taylor-Young Esq. described Kamara as a young single mother of three and the principal caregiver of her elderly mother. He argued that she had shown remorse, reformed during her time in custody, and was determined to become a change agent if given a lighter sentence.
Prosecuting Counsel J.K. Jan-Abu urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence, stressing the seriousness of the offence and its impact on society, particularly on school pupils and young people.
Delivering judgment, Hon. Justice Josephine F. Hinga acknowledged Kamara’s family responsibilities but emphasized the gravity of the offence.
“This offence is not only considered heinous but is one of the principal factors destroying the lives of our youthful population,” Justice Hinga said. She added that sentencing serves as a deterrent to discourage similar crimes and safeguard society from dangerous offenders.
The judge sentenced Kamara to 30 years imprisonment and ordered that the seized substance be destroyed in the presence of the Director of Public Prosecutions or his representative, the Deputy Master and Registrar of the High Court, and other relevant authorities. A destruction certificate is to be submitted to the court.