Cleaner Receives Ten-Year Sentence for Kush Possession

Cleaner Receives Ten-Year Sentence for Kush Possession

Abu Bakarr Sesay, a 25-year-old cleaner, has been sentenced to ten years' imprisonment following his appearance before Justice Isata Sellu Tucker at the Criminal Sessions of High Court No. 5, located on Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown.

Sesay was charged with unlawful possession of drugs, in violation of Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).

According to the details of the offense, on October 27, 2024, in Freetown, Sesay was found in possession of 60.5 grams of kush without lawful authority. Upon formal reading and explanation of the charge, he entered a plea of guilty.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, Sesay appealed to the court for leniency, requesting that the judge exercise mercy in her judgment.

In her ruling, Justice Tucker acknowledged the defendant's immediate guilty plea and acceptance of responsibility. She noted that Sesay's actions conserved court time and considered his mitigating circumstances.

The judge underscored the alarming prevalence of kush possession, emphasizing its severe threat to public safety and its destructive impact on individuals' lives. She highlighted the judiciary's imperative to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

Consequently, Justice Tucker sentenced Sesay to ten years' imprisonment at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.

The court further ordered that the seized kush be forfeited to the state and destroyed by the appropriate authorities. Justice Tucker advised Sesay to desist from such activities upon completion of his sentence.

This case reaffirms the government’s resolute stance against drug abuse and underscores the judiciary’s critical role in upholding public safety.