By: Saidu Jalloh
The Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has issued a new Practice Direction designed to strengthen the judiciary’s response to the rising illegal production, distribution, and use of drugs across the country.
The directive, dated 1st December 2025, was formally communicated to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions, all judges, magistrates, and the Master and Registrar. It introduces new judicial measures pursuant to the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.
According to the memorandum, the Practice Direction takes immediate effect from 1st December 2025 and will remain in force until further notice.
Under the new measures, all charges related to drugs and drug-related offences under the 2008 Act will now be heard and concluded exclusively in the High Court. The Chief Justice further ordered that no bail shall be granted to defendants charged under the Act, except in accordance with Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024.
The directive also mandates the speedy trial of all drug-related cases and authorizes courts to sit on Saturdays when necessary to fast-track proceedings.
Defendants found guilty of offences under the National Drugs Control Act will face mandatory custodial sentences. The memo specifies that persons convicted under Sections 7(a) to 7(c) of the Act must receive prison terms of not less than 30 years.
The Practice Direction was signed by Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda in his capacity as Chief Justice.