Chief Justice in Sierra Leone, Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has introduced a new Practice Direction that changes how courts across the country handle drug-related offences. The new rules came into force on 1 December 2025 and are expected to speed up trials, strengthen punishment for drug offences, and improve coordination between the courts and justice sector institutions.
The announcement was shared in an official memorandum from the Chief Justice to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions, all judges, all magistrates, and the Master and Registrar. The Judiciary Communications Department has also encouraged members of the public and the media to contact them for more details.
The new Practice Direction comes at a time when Sierra Leone is facing growing concern about illegal drugs, including the rise of “kush,” cocaine trafficking, and increased use of synthetic drugs among young people. Officials say the changes will help the courts respond more effectively and ensure that drug-related offences are treated as serious national security and public health concerns.
Cases to Be Handled Only in the High Court
One of the major changes in the new Practice Direction is that all charges connected to drugs and drug-related offences under the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 must now be tried in the High Court. Previously, some drug matters were handled in Magistrates’ Courts, which only conduct preliminary hearings and do not have the power to give final sentences in serious cases.
By moving these cases directly to the High Court, the Judiciary says it aims to fast-track trials, reduce delays, and ensure that all matters are heard by judges with the authority to issue strong sentences.
Legal analysts say this shift could reduce the backlog of drug-related cases in lower courts and create more consistency in how these offences are handled across the country.
Bail Now Restricted for Drug Offences
The Practice Direction also introduces a major change regarding bail. It states clearly that:
> “No bail shall be granted to defendants charged with offences pursuant to the National Drugs Control Act 2008,”
except in the limited situations allowed under Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024.
This means most people charged with serious drug offences will now remain in custody while their trials are ongoing. The Judiciary says this restriction is meant to prevent accused persons from fleeing, interfering with investigations, or returning to drug-related activities while on bail.
For many Sierra Leoneans, especially community leaders who have been calling for stronger action against drug trafficking and distribution, the decision may be seen as a firm step toward protecting public safety.
However, some human rights observers may raise questions about the strict nature of the bail limitations, especially regarding the rights of suspects who have not yet been convicted. The Judiciary has said all decisions are guided by the law and the need to safeguard the public.
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Speedy Trials and Weekend Court Sittings
Another important part of the Practice Direction focuses on ensuring that drug cases move faster through the justice system. The document states that:
All drug matters must be handled speedily.
Courts dealing with drug cases may also sit on Saturdays.
This move is seen as an effort to prevent long delays, which have often affected drug trials in the past. Backlogs in the courts have sometimes forced accused persons to wait months or even years before their cases are heard.
Allowing Saturday sittings gives judges more flexibility and increases the number of available hearing days. Judiciary officials believe this will improve efficiency and help the justice system keep up with the rising number of drug-related arrests.
Mandatory Custodial Sentences
Under the new rules, any defendant found guilty of drug-related offences must receive a custodial sentence, meaning imprisonment is now compulsory.
The Practice Direction refers specifically to Section 7(a–c) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008, which covers illegal production, distribution, and trafficking of drugs. It adds that:
> Anyone convicted under these sections shall be sentenced to not less than 30 years in prison.
This is one of the most severe sentencing requirements introduced in Sierra Leone’s recent legal reforms. The Chief Justice says it reflects the seriousness of the drug problem and the need to protect communities from the harm drugs are causing, particularly among young people.
Supporters of stronger drug laws argue that tough sentences send a clear message to traffickers and their networks, many of whom operate across borders. But others may express concern about whether long-term imprisonment alone can reduce drug use, especially among addicted young people who need rehabilitation.
Context: Rising Drug Concerns in Sierra Leone
The new Practice Direction comes amid growing national attention on drug abuse, trafficking, and the impact of harmful substances on communities.
In recent years, the circulation of the dangerous synthetic drug known as “kush” has led to widespread public alarm. Many young people have suffered serious health problems, and some have died. Community groups, religious leaders, and activists have been calling for stronger action from the government and the justice system.
The National Drugs Control Act of 2008 remains the main legal framework for handling drug offences, but experts have long called for clearer enforcement mechanisms and more consistent application of the law.
Earlier this year, the government announced new security operations to disrupt drug trafficking networks, particularly along coastal and border areas. The Judiciary says its new Practice Direction will support these efforts by ensuring that drug cases are treated with urgency and seriousness.
Judiciary: “A Necessary Step to Protect the Nation”
In the memorandum, the Chief Justice stated that the new rules are issued “in response to the illegal production, distribution, and use of drugs.” The Practice Direction is intended to remain in effect until further notice, which suggests that the Judiciary may continue reviewing and updating court processes as needed.
Although the memorandum itself does not provide comments from the Chief Justice beyond the written directives, legal observers say the move signals a strong commitment to reforming how the justice system addresses drug crime.
Judiciary Communications has encouraged journalists and members of the public to contact them for further explanation or clarification about the changes.
What the New Rules Mean for Sierra Leone
The Practice Direction represents one of the most significant changes to Sierra Leone’s handling of drug offences in recent years. The main impacts may include:
Faster trial timelines, reducing backlogs.
Harsher penalties, particularly the minimum 30-year prison sentence.
Reduced access to bail, keeping high-risk suspects in custody.
More workload for High Courts, which will now handle all drug cases.
Greater coordination between justice sector institutions.
The Judiciary says these changes will help strengthen the rule of law and support the government’s fight against drugs. It also aims to build public confidence in the justice system by ensuring drug offences are handled firmly and fairly.
As Sierra Leone continues to face challenges linked to drug trafficking and substance abuse, the judiciary’s new directive may play an important role in shaping the country’s response.
