Hon. Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker of the High Court has sentenced 32-year-old driver, Santigie Bangura of No. 48 Kamanda Farm, to fifteen years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of 30.5 grams of Kush. The judgment was delivered on Friday, 14th November 2025, at Court No. 5 of the Main Law Courts Building in Freetown.
Santigie Bangura was arraigned on a one-count indictment in violation of Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008. According to the particulars of offence, he was found in possession of the prohibited synthetic drug on 5th June 2024 in Freetown without lawful authority.
Upon his arraignment, the accused pleaded guilty and appealed for leniency, a move which the Court acknowledged as not wasting judicial time. However, Hon. Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker emphasized that the increasing prevalence of Kush, now considered a national health emergency, requires strong deterrent measures.
She noted that the widespread consumption of the synthetic substance is destroying lives, especially among young people and exerting unbearable strain on communities, health facilities and law-enforcement institutions.
“Despite the guilty plea, the Court cannot overlook the serious threat posed by the proliferation of Kush,” Hon. Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker stated before handing down her verdict. She sentenced Santigie Bangura to fifteen years in the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre and ordered the immediate destruction of the confiscated substance.
Hon. Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker further warned the convict to desist from drug use upon completion of his sentence, reaffirming the Judiciary’s uncompromising resolve to clamp down on the deadly drug trade.
The ruling signals a stronger judicial approach as Sierra Leone intensifies efforts to curb the escalating Kush crisis nationwide.
