By Janet A. Sesay
Justice Mark Ngegba of the High Court in Freetown on Thursday, 12th February 2026, sentenced Abdullah Abdul Rehman, a Pakistani national, to 40 years imprisonment for possession of 300 grams of cocaine.
The defendant was charged with unlawful possession of drugs contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008). The offence allegedly occurred on 4th January 2025 at Lungi, North-West Region, where the defendant was found in possession of the cocaine without lawful authority.
At his arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty, and the case proceeded to trial.
To discharge the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt, the prosecution called three witnesses, all of whom testified under oath and were cross-examined by defence counsel.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Joseph Stevens (PW1), a forensic analyst attached to TOCU, testified that he analysed the substance and confirmed it was cocaine hydrochloride, tendering a laboratory report as evidence.
Detective Sergeant Sahr Kovoma Sundu (PW2), an investigator at TOCU, led the investigation, tendering the defendant’s voluntary caution statements, charge statement, and other court exhibits.
Police Constable John Umaru (PW3) testified regarding the handling and preservation of the cocaine and tendered a destruction certificate of narcotic drugs.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendant testified through an interpreter, Dr. Mansoor Ahmad, admitting that he had been in possession of the substance, which was given to him by a friend. He claimed he did not know it was cocaine.
Justice Ngegba explained that, under Sections 8(a), 17, 54(a), and 57 of the National Drugs Control Act 2008, possession of the drugs was unlawful and that the prosecution had sufficiently proved the substance was cocaine. He noted that corroboration was not required for conviction under the Act.
“Considering the evidence presented, I hold that the prosecution has provided sufficient proof to warrant a guilty verdict against the defendant,” Justice Ngegba ruled.
Defence counsels A. Kamanda and W. Garber urged the court to temper justice with mercy, citing the defendant’s foreign nationality. After considering their plea, Justice Ngegba sentenced the convict to 40 years imprisonment. Lawyers A. Jalloh and E.A. Deen prosecuted the matter on behalf of the state.