Five Persons Sentenced to 27 Years for Drug Possession in Kenema

Five Persons Sentenced to 27 Years for Drug Possession in Kenema

The High Court in Kenema, presided over by the Honorable Justice Abdul Sheriff, has sentenced five individuals to a combined total of 27 years in prison following their convictions for the possession and use of prohibited drugs. 

The sentences were handed down after the charges were read by Court Registrar Thomas B. L. Sam across five separate legal filings.

The heaviest sentence was issued to Albert Laggah, who was apprehended in Kenema City on November 5, 2025. Laggah was found in possession of 70 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Kush, a prohibited substance. Upon his guilty plea, Justice Sheriff sentenced him to seven years of imprisonment.

Four other defendants received five-year sentences each after pleading guilty to similar charges:

• Dauda Dominic Fabbah (alias PC): Arrested on February 11, 2026, in Panguma Town, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, with three wraps of suspected Kush.

• Osman Mansaray: Found in Kenema City on February 24, 2026, in possession of 15 wraps of the prohibited drug.

• Alfred Bio: Detained on January 23, 2026, in Kenema City with 12 wraps of suspected Kush.

• Momoh Benya: Intercepted on January 5, 2026, along the Bo-Kenema Highway with 37 wraps of the substance.

In his ruling, Justice Sheriff acknowledged the plea in mitigation presented by Defence Counsel Patrick Kamara of the Legal Aid Board, who requested the court temper justice with mercy. However, citing the severity of the drug epidemic, the judge maintained the terms ranging from five to seven years. Furthermore, the Court ordered that all drug exhibits be destroyed in public view to signal a zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics.

The cases were prosecuted by State Counsel and Customary Officer Andrew F. Kamara.