The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Santigie Bangura to fifteen years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of 30.5 grams of Kush, a synthetic drug that has ravaged communities across the country. The sentence was handed down by Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker, who emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to tackling the growing public health crisis posed by the trade-in deadly drugs.
According to court records, Santigie Bangura, a Driver of No. 48 Kamanda Farm was found in possession of the illicit substance on June 5, 2024, in Freetown. He pleaded guilty to the charge at the first instance and appealed for mercy.
In her judgment, Justice Sellu-Tucker acknowledged the Defendant’s guilty plea but stressed that the Court could not ignore the alarming rise in the trade of synthetic drugs, particularly Kush, which has had a devastating impact on young people and communities.
“I hereby sentence the Defendant, Santigie Bangura, to fifteen years’ imprisonment,” Justice Sellu-Tucker declared, ordering the destruction of the seized substance by the appropriate authorities. She also cautioned the Defendant to refrain from drug use after serving his sentence at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The judiciary’s strong stance on the trade in deadly drugs sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated. The public is urged to support the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in combating this scourge.
The case was prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
