Pakistani National Who Brought 300 Grams of Cocaine to Sierra Leone Sentenced to 40 Years Imprisonment

Justice Mark Ngegba of the Freetown High Court has sentenced Abdullah Abdul Rehman, a Pakistani national, to 40 years in prison for the unlawful possession of 300 grams of cocaine.

The sentencing, delivered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, followed a trial centered on an incident occurring on January 4, 2025, at Lungi in the North-West Region. Rehman was charged under Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.

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 analyzed 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.