Woman Jailed 20 Years for Attempting to Smuggle Tramadol into Pademba Road Prison

The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Monica Kumba Kaiwandi to twenty years’ imprisonment for unlawfully possessing and attempting to transport Tramadol to inmates at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road, Freetown.

Presiding over the case, Hon. Justice Mark Ngegba described the offence, which occurred on 29th July 2025, as serious and damaging to the security of correctional institutions. Kaiwandi was found with 800 grams of Tramadol, a controlled substance under Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008, intended for distribution to inmates.

Kaiwandi initially pleaded not guilty but later changed her plea to guilty during her second court appearance. Defence counsel, M.A. Conteh Esq., urged the court to exercise mercy, citing Kaiwandi’s role as a mother and principal caregiver to her family, including her elderly mother. He warned that a long custodial sentence could adversely affect her mental health and family welfare.

State Counsel, A. Jalloh Esq., countered that the offence posed a serious threat to prison security and the fight against drug abuse, emphasizing the need for a deterrent sentence.

In his judgment, Justice Ngegba said he had carefully considered both defence and prosecution submissions. He stressed the judiciary’s responsibility to support national efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking, particularly within correctional facilities where such crimes compromise security and rehabilitation efforts.

Justice Ngegba subsequently sentenced Monica Kumba Kaiwandi to twenty years’ imprisonment, noting that the sentence underscores the High Court’s commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding the integrity and security of Sierra Leone’s correctional system.