The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced a 37-year-old South African national, Asandra Denise, to a cumulative 130 years’ imprisonment for offences related to the unlawful possession, transportation, and importation of cocaine.
The sentence was handed down by High Court Judge, Honourable Justice Andrew S.C. Johnson, following the conviction of Denise on a five-count indictment.
The charges included 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).
Court records revealed that the convict, a resident of Nenvonds in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, was arrested at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi, North-West Sierra Leone. The court discovered 365 pellets of cocaine weighing approximately 5.4 kilograms in her possession without lawful authorization.
In his ruling, Justice Johnson imposed sentences amounting to 130 years across the various counts.
However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve them at the same time. The sentence takes effect from the date of her remand in custody.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of the seized cocaine and all related exhibits to the State. Justice Johnson also directed that the narcotic substances be destroyed under the supervision of the appropriate authorities.
The conviction underscores Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and enforce its narcotics laws.
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