By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, May 25, 2026 – The High Court in Freetown has sentenced Zainab Bintu Samura to 45 years imprisonment after finding her guilty on six counts of unlawful possession and dealing in prohibited drugs.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Mark Ngegba at the Criminal Division of the High Court on Monday, following a trial that centered on Samura’s arrest near the Pademba Road Magistrates’ Court in November 2025.
Arrest and Charges
According to court records, Samura was apprehended by officers of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) who allegedly found her in possession of:
- 210 tramadol tablets weighing 100.4 grams
- Loose cannabis sativa weighing 40 grams
- Kush weighing 60 grams
She was charged under the National Drugs Control Act of 2008 with six offences relating to unlawful possession and trafficking of prohibited substances. Samura pleaded not guilty when arraigned on February 2, 2026.
Trial Evidence
Prosecutors A. Jalloh and E.A. Deen called three witnesses, including Detective Police Constable Abdul Koroma, who testified that the accused was brought in with the suspected drugs for investigation.
The court admitted several exhibits, including laboratory request forms, caution statements, search warrants, and charge sheets. Forensic analysts confirmed through laboratory examinations that the substances were tramadol, cannabis sativa, and kush.
Verdict and Sentencing
In his ruling, Justice Ngegba said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the accused failed to show lawful authority for possessing the substances as required under Section 17 of the National Drugs Control Act.
“The defendant was found in possession of and dealing with tramadol, cannabis sativa and kush,” the judge ruled.
Samura was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on Counts 1–4, and 45 years each on Counts 5 and 6, with sentences to run concurrently. The maximum penalty imposed was 45 years imprisonment.
Context
The case underscores Sierra Leone’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking, particularly the spread of kush, which has been linked to rising health and social crises across the country.