By: Hope Times Staff Writer
The fight against the growing menace of synthetic drugs in Sierra Leone has taken another decisive turn after the High Court handed down a lengthy prison sentence to a young man convicted of possessing the illicit substance commonly known as kush.
On March 4, 2026, High Court Judge Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura sentenced Alusine Kemoh to fifteen years imprisonment after finding him guilty of unlawful possession of kush. The ruling forms part of the judiciary’s broader response to the alarming rise of drug abuse across the country, particularly among young people.
Kemoh was arrested on November 11, 2025, in the Kono District Judicial District during a law enforcement operation that led to the discovery of 47 wraps of the synthetic drug in his possession. Authorities stated that the accused failed to provide any lawful explanation for carrying the prohibited substance, prompting his arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Following investigations by law enforcement officers, the case was later transferred to the High Court where prosecutors charged Kemoh with one count of illegal possession of narcotics under Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act. The law criminalizes the unlawful possession, trafficking, and distribution of controlled drugs within the country.
During the trial, State Prosecutor Charles Foday Sesay presented evidence before the court outlining the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the recovery of the suspected drug exhibits. The prosecution argued that the evidence clearly demonstrated that the accused knowingly possessed the illegal substance and therefore violated the country’s drug control laws.
Despite the seriousness of the charge, the court heard that Kemoh had no previous criminal convictions. Prosecutor Sesay acknowledged that the accused appeared to be a first-time offender, a factor which was later emphasized by the defense during mitigation.
Representing the accused, defense lawyer Alpha Osman Kamara pleaded with the court to exercise leniency in sentencing. He described his client as a young man who had made a grave mistake but still possessed the potential to reform and contribute positively to society if given the opportunity.
In an emotional moment during the proceedings, Kemoh personally addressed the court and pleaded for mercy. He expressed remorse for his actions and appealed for a second chance to rebuild his life.
However, in delivering his judgment, Justice Bangura maintained that the court must consider the broader impact of drug-related offenses on society. He noted that substances such as kush have increasingly become a destructive force among Sierra Leone’s youth, contributing to addiction, crime, and social instability.
Justice Bangura described the offence as deeply troubling and warned that the judiciary would not hesitate to impose stiff penalties on individuals involved in drug-related activities. According to him, strong sentencing is necessary to deter others who might consider engaging in similar criminal conduct.
“The judiciary must send a clear and unmistakable message that drug offences will not be tolerated,” the judge stated while delivering the ruling.
He subsequently sentenced Kemoh to fifteen years imprisonment. The court also ordered that the confiscated drug exhibits be destroyed in accordance with the law.
The case highlights the growing determination of Sierra Leone’s law enforcement agencies and the courts to confront the escalating spread of kush and other narcotics across the country. Authorities have repeatedly expressed concern that the synthetic drug is rapidly gaining popularity among vulnerable youths, posing serious public health and security risks.
Observers say the ruling sends a strong signal about the seriousness with which the justice system intends to tackle drug abuse as the government continues its broader campaign to curb the circulation of dangerous substances nationwide.