Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing 60.5 Grams of Kush

Abubakarr Sesay has been sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment by Justice Isata Sellu Tucker after being found guilty of possessing 60.5 grams of Kush without lawful authority.

Sesay was arraigned on a charge of unlawful possession of drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act 2008, Act No. 10 of 2008. According to the indictment, on October 27, 2024, in Freetown, Sesay was discovered in possession of the controlled substance.

During his first appearance, the convict pleaded guilty and appealed to Justice Tucker for leniency.

Before delivering her judgment, Justice Tucker acknowledged that Sesay had accepted responsibility for his actions and had not wasted the court’s time. However, she emphasized that the growing prevalence of drug possession, particularly Kush, poses a significant threat to society by destroying lives and endangering public safety. She stressed the judiciary’s duty to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

Consequently, Justice Tucker sentenced Sesay to ten years at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The confiscated Kush, presented as evidence, was ordered to be forfeited to the state and destroyed by the appropriate authorities. She also advised the convict to refrain from engaging in such conduct after serving his sentence.

Kush, a potent form of cannabis, has become increasingly prevalent in Sierra Leone, raising concerns over youth addiction, crime, and the erosion of social values.

Despite government efforts to curb its distribution, the drug remains accessible in various communities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive drug education, enforcement, and rehabilitation programs.