By Fatima Kpaka
The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced 43-year-old Aminata Mansaray to thirty (30) years imprisonment for unlawful possession of kush and dealing in prohibited drugs. The ruling was delivered by Honourable Justice Josephine F. Hinga under Sections 8(a) and 7(c) of the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008.
Mansaray, a trader residing at Culvert, Race Course in Freetown, was arraigned on a two-count indictment after being found with 56 wraps of kush. During proceedings, she claimed the drugs were given to her “for safe keeping” by one Pupa.
Forensic analysis conducted by Inspector Steven Alpha Turay of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit confirmed the substance contained traces of synthetic cannabinoid beam solution.
In her plea, Mansaray admitted guilt and begged for leniency. Defence Counsel M.Y. Conteh Esq. highlighted her status as a first-time offender, mother of seven, and her cooperation with the court, requesting a minimum sentence of five years under Section 12(3) of the Act.
Justice Hinga, however, emphasized the grave threat posed by drug offences to Sierra Leone’s human capital. While acknowledging Mansaray’s family circumstances, she imposed a thirty-year sentence on each count, to run concurrently.
The Court further ordered the destruction of the seized drugs under official supervision, with a certificate of destruction to be filed. Additionally, Mansaray’s two-year-old child was directed to be placed under the care of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs or a certified relative.