Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Justice Komba Kamanda, has issued new practice directives governing the handling of drug-related cases in the courts, with the measures taking effect on 1 December 2025.
According to a memorandum circulated to the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, all judges, all magistrates, and the Master and Registrar, the directives respond to the rise in illegal drug production, distribution, and use under the National Drugs Control Act 2008.
The new practice directives introduce several key measures:
All drug-related cases will now be concluded in the High Court. It remains unclear whether this stipulation affects the right to appeal in such matters.
Accused persons charged under the Act will not be granted bail, except as permitted under Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
Courts are instructed to ensure expedited hearings for all drug-related offences.
Courts may sit on Saturdays when handling cases brought under this directive.
Judges must impose custodial sentences on all offenders found guilty under the Act, regardless of whether they are first-time offenders.
Convictions under Sections 7(a) to 7(c) of the Act will attract a minimum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment. The directive indicates that this sentence applies even where an accused person pleads guilty, with no mitigating circumstances to be considered.
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