No Bail, No Leniency: Chief Justice Declares Tough New Judicial War on Drug Crimes

By Ibrahim Kabba Turay

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has taken an unprecedented and far-reaching step in the fight against illegal drugs with the issuance of a landmark Practice Direction on Drugs and Drug-Related Offences by the Honourable Chief Justice, Justice Komba Kamanda.

The directive, dated 1st December 2025 and taking immediate effect, signals a zero-tolerance judicial stance against the production, trafficking, distribution, and abuse of illegal drugs in the country. Issued pursuant to the National Drugs Control Act, 2008, the Practice Direction applies to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), all Judges, all Magistrates, and the Master and Registrar.

Rising Drug Crisis Spurs Judicial Action

Sierra Leone has in recent years experienced a disturbing rise in drug-related crimes involving substances such as cannabis, tramadol, kush, cocaine, and other hard drugs. The impact has been devastating—fueling crime, destroying young lives, weakening family structures, and posing serious public health and national security concerns.

Against this troubling background, the Judiciary has stepped in decisively to reinforce national efforts aimed at curbing the drug menace and restoring public confidence in the justice system.

High Court Takes Full Control of Drug Cases

Under the new Practice Direction, all drug and drug-related offences must now be tried exclusively in the High Court. This centralization reflects the grave nature of such offences and ensures they receive the highest level of judicial scrutiny.

In a major departure from previous practice, bail is expressly denied to all persons charged under the National Drugs Control Act, 2008. In accordance with Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024, accused persons will remain in custody throughout the trial process. The move is aimed at preventing suspects from absconding, interfering with investigations, or continuing criminal activities.

Speedy Trials and Saturday Sittings Introduced

To address longstanding delays in criminal proceedings, the Practice Direction mandates the speedy trial of all drug cases. In a bold and innovative measure, courts handling drug matters are also permitted to sit on Saturdays, a move intended to reduce backlog and fast-track the delivery of justice.

This development underscores the Judiciary’s recognition that the drug crisis requires urgent and extraordinary judicial responses.

Mandatory Custodial Sentences and Harsh Penalties

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the directive is its firm stance on sentencing. The Practice Direction makes it clear that custodial sentences are mandatory for all convicted persons under the National Drugs Control Act, 2008, effectively ruling out fines or suspended sentences.

More significantly, individuals convicted under Sections 7(a) to 7(c) of the Act will face a minimum prison sentence of 30 years. This is one of the harshest penalties ever imposed for drug offences in Sierra Leone’s legal history, signaling that major drug crimes will now be treated as serious threats to national survival.

Far-Reaching Impact on Justice and Society

The new directive places increased responsibility on judges, prosecutors, and court administrators, particularly with the expected rise in High Court caseloads. It also demands rigorous preparation from the DPP’s office to meet the requirements of speedy trials.

For the public, the message is clear: drug crimes will no longer be met with leniency. The Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding communities and protecting the country’s youth from the devastating effects of drug abuse.

The Practice Direction issued by Chief Justice Justice Komba Kamanda represents a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s judicial history. By eliminating bail, accelerating trials, introducing weekend sittings, and imposing severe mandatory sentences, the Judiciary has positioned itself firmly at the forefront of the national fight against drugs.

While implementation challenges may arise, the directive reflects strong judicial leadership and an uncompromising commitment to the rule of law. Sierra Leone has now entered a new era in the prosecution of drug offences -one marked by firmness, urgency, and zero tolerance.