Former Police Officer Sentenced to 25 Years for Unlawful Drug Possession

Justice Mark Ngegba of the High Court has sentenced Mohamed Dumbuya, a former police officer, to 25 years’ imprisonment at the Freetown Male Correctional Facility.

The sentence was handed down on Thursday, November 27, 2025, after Dumbuya was found guilty of unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.

The incident occurred on February 27, 2024, in the Western Area of Freetown, when Dumbuya was reportedly found in possession of 50 grams of kush without lawful authority.

During the trial, Dumbuya pleaded not guilty, claiming he was holding the drugs for a friend who had traveled abroad. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him, including forensic analysis confirming traces of synthetic cannabinoids and the defendant’s own admissions during police interviews.

Justice Ngegba emphasized the prosecution’s responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, stating that the evidence presented met this standard. The court also noted that the burden of proving lawful possession rested on Dumbuya, which he failed to demonstrate.

The ruling highlights the judiciary’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and upholding the rule of law in Sierra Leone.