Man Jailed 40 Years for Drug Trafficking in Freetown

A 40-year prison sentence has been handed down by the High Court of Sierra Leone to Lassan Koroma after he was found guilty on multiple drug-related charges involving cannabis sativa and kush.

The ruling was delivered on Monday, 25 May 2026, by Honourable Justice Mark Ngegba at the High Court in Freetown.

Koroma was convicted on counts of unlawful possession of cannabis sativa and kush, as well as dealing in prohibited substances, contrary to the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.

According to indictment No. DDP/2025/395, the accused faced four counts, including possession of controlled drugs contrary to Section 8(a) and dealing in prohibited drugs under Section 7(c) of the Act.

The prosecution alleged that on 22 October 2025 in Freetown, Koroma was found in possession of 90.9 grams of cannabis sativa and 45 sachets of kush weighing 90 grams, and was also engaged in drug dealing without lawful authority.

The case was prosecuted by State Counsels A. Jalloh and E. A. Deen, while the defence was led by M.K. Dauda.

During the trial, Detective Sergeant Sahr Koroma Sundu of the Tactical Operations Crime Unit (TOCU) testified that he received the case file on 24 October 2025 regarding the suspect’s alleged possession of controlled substances. He tendered the arrest report and voluntary caution statements made by the accused as evidence.

Another prosecution witness, Detective Police Constable John Umaru, told the court that on 23 October 2025, he received 45 sachets of suspected cannabis and seeds, which were later confirmed through forensic analysis as illicit drugs.

Laboratory reports presented in court verified the substances as cannabis sativa and kush. The court also considered the defendant’s own statements, in which he admitted to possessing and selling cannabis over a three-month period.

In his judgment, Justice Ngegba stated that “dealing” in prohibited drugs extends beyond commercial transactions and includes any form of involvement with controlled substances as defined under the law. He further emphasized that the burden rests on the accused to prove lawful authority for possession.

The court subsequently sentenced Koroma to 10 years imprisonment on the first count and 30 years on the second count, bringing the total sentence to 40 years. He was however acquitted on two other counts relating to additional drug offences.

The judgment underscores the judiciary’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Sierra Leone, with the court stressing the importance of enforcing laws aimed at protecting public health and safety.

The verdict has been widely viewed as a strong warning to individuals involved in illegal drug activities that the law will be applied strictly to ensure accountability.