Woman Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug Possession in Kenema

Woman Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug Possession in Kenema

Edina Sidie Turay, a trader from Kondebotehun Layout, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the possession of prohibited drugs. The ruling was delivered by Hon. Justice Abdul Sheriff at the High Court in Kenema on June 23, 2026.

Turay faced charges under section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008 following an incident on November 19, 2025. During that time, police conducted a raid on her premises and discovered 70 capsules of tramadol, a prohibited substance, hidden under her bed. Authorities also seized NLe 1,015.00 found at the scene.

Although Turay pleaded not guilty, the prosecution presented three witnesses to support their case. Following the conclusion of the prosecution's evidence, defense counsel Joseph Bandabla Dauda Jnr. Esq., representing AdvocAid in the Eastern Region, entered a "no case" submission. This was overruled by the court, requiring the defense to proceed.

In his final judgment, Justice Sheriff sentenced Turay to 15 years imprisonment, while ordering the public destruction of the seized tramadol capsules and the confiscation of the recovered funds by the State.