Kono High Court Jails Man 15 Years for Kush Possession

The High Court in Kono, presided over by Hon. Justice Santigie Bangura, has sentenced Abdulai Sankoh to fifteen years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to a kush-related offence.

According to court proceedings, Sankoh was charged with unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008.

The particulars of the offence stated that on 11 December 2025, in Kono District, Eastern Province, the accused was found in possession of eleven wraps of kush without lawful authority.

When the charge was read in court, Sankoh pleaded guilty to the offence.

During mitigation, defence counsel A.O. Kamara appealed for leniency, noting that the convict was a first-time offender who had admitted guilt at the earliest opportunity, thereby saving the court’s time. Counsel further informed the court that Sankoh had shown remorse for his actions.

In delivering his judgment, Justice Bangura acknowledged the mitigating factors, including the accused’s status as a first-time offender and his guilty plea.

However, the judge emphasized the seriousness of drug-related offences, particularly the growing threat posed by kush in communities across Sierra Leone, and sentenced Sankoh to fifteen years imprisonment.

The prosecution in the matter was led by C.F. Sesay.

The ruling forms part of ongoing judicial efforts to address the increasing spread of kush and other illicit substances in the country.