*Justice Andrew Johnson Sentences South African Citizen to 130 Years’ Imprisonment For Transporting Cocaine*
*Main Law Courts Building, Freetown, 18th June 2026:* High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Andrew S.C. Johnson, has sentenced 37-year-old South African citizen, Asandra Denise, to One Hundred and Thirty (130) years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession, transportation, and importation of 365 pillets of cocaine without lawful authority.
Asandra Denise, a resident of Nenvonds in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, was arraigned on a five-count indictment of Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Drugs, Dealing in Prohibited Drugs, Collecting Prohibited Drugs, Importing Prohibited Drugs, and Transporting Prohibited Drugs, contrary to Sections 8(a) and 7(b) and (c) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 Act No. 10 of 2008.
According to the particulars of offence, the Defendant was arrested at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, in the North-West Region of Sierra Leone, after she was found in possession of Three Hundred and Sixty-Five (365) pillets of cocaine weighing approximately 5.4 kilograms, without lawful authority.
The Defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Testifying in Court, Joseph Lahai, a Forensic Toxicologist, stated that two pillets containing white powder were selected as samples from the exhibits, amounting to 10.5 grams, for laboratory examination and analysis. He informed the Court that the samples tested positive for traces of Cocaine Hydrochloride.
Representing the accused, Ibrahim Samba Esq., informed the Court that, having conferred with his client and in the absence of Defence Witnesses, the Defendant elected to rely on the statement she had made to the police.
The Prosecution called three witnesses, including the Forensic Toxicologist and the Exhibit Clerk. He told the Court that they were satisfied with their case.
“My Lord, having led all our witnesses, the Prosecution now wishes to tender the ex-officio information under the hand of the learned Attorney General pursuant to Section 153(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024 Act No. 8 of 2024,” said I.A. Kamara Esq., before formally closing the Prosecution’s case.
In delivering judgment, Honourable Justice Andrew S.C. Johnson stated that, having carefully considered all the evidence before the Court, he found the Prosecution Witnesses to be credible and their testimony materially unshaken under cross-examination.
According to Honourable Justice Johnson, the mere denial of the accused is insufficient to dislodge the strong and compelling evidence adduced by the Prosecution.
“I am therefore satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Johnson ruled, adding, “I find the Defendant Guilty as charged on all five counts.”
He sentenced the Defendant Asandra Denise as follows; Count One, Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Drugs 10 years’ imprisonment; Count Two, Dealing in Prohibited Drugs 30 years’ imprisonment;
Count Three, Collecting Prohibited Drugs 30 years’ imprisonment; Count Four, Importing Prohibited Drugs 30 years’ imprisonment; and Count Five, Transporting Prohibited Drugs 30 years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Honourable Justice Andrew S.C Johnson ordered that all sentences shall run concurrently, with effect from the date of the Defendant’s remand in custody.
Justice Johnson further ordered that the cocaine and all related exhibits be forfeited to the State and directed that the narcotic substance be destroyed in the presence of the relevant authorities.
For further information, please contact the Judiciary of Sierra Leone’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit or visit the Judiciary’s website: www.judiciary.gov.sl, or follow our official social media platforms.
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