By: Aminata Sesay
In response to the growing number of drug and drug-related offences across the country, the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has assigned seven judges and four magistrates in the Western Area and all judges and magistrates in the provinces to expedite drug-related offences. This statement was made in a public notice dated 20th October 2025
According to a public notice issued by the Deputy Master and Registrar of the High Court, Mrs. Hulaimatu F. Christian-Moses, the Honourable Chief Justice has assigned seven judges and four magistrates in the Western Area, as well as all judges and magistrates in the provinces, to specifically focus on drug-related matters.
The directive, dated 20th October 2025, further revealed that the Chief Justice has instructed extended court sittings, including on Saturdays, to ensure that drug cases are dealt with promptly.
“This measure is part of the Judiciary’s ongoing reforms to ensure the efficient and timely adjudication of cases involving drug-related offences,” the notice stated.
This initiative comes amid a surge in drug-related incidents and growing national concerns about the social and security impacts of drug abuse, particularly following recent government crackdowns on the trafficking and consumption of dangerous substances.
By dedicating additional judicial resources and extending court hours, the Judiciary aims to reduce case backlogs and strengthen the justice system’s response to the increasing threat posed by drug-related crimes.