AYV News, December 4, 2025
Sierra Leone has introduced a new Practice Direction that changes how courts across the country handle drug-related offences, further stating that, “No bail shall be granted to defendants charged with offences pursuant to the National Drugs Control Act 2008”, except in the limited situations allowed under Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024.
This means most people charged with serious drug offences will now remain in custody while their trials are ongoing. This restriction is meant to prevent accused persons from fleeing, interfering with investigations, or returning to drug-related activities while on bail.
The new rules came into force on 1st December 2025 and are expected to speed up trials, strengthen punishment for drug offences, and improve coordination between the courts and justice sector institutions.
The new Practice Direction comes at a time when Sierra Leone is facing growing concern about illegal drugs, including the rise of Kush, cocaine trafficking, and increased use of synthetic drugs among young people. Officials say the changes will help the courts respond more effectively and ensure that drug-related offences are treated as serious national security and public health concerns.
One of the major changes in the new Practice Direction is that all charges connected to drugs and drug-related offences under the National Drugs Control Act, 2008 must now be tried in the High Court. Previously, some drug matters were handled in Magistrates’ Courts, which only conduct preliminary hearings and do not have the power to give final sentences in serious cases.
By moving these cases directly to the High Court, the Judiciary says it aims to fast-track trials, reduce delays, and ensure that all matters are heard by judges with the authority to issue strong sentences.
Under the new rules, any defendant found guilty of drug-related offences must receive a custodial sentence, meaning imprisonment is now compulsory.
The Practice Direction refers specifically to Section 7(a–c) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008, which covers illegal production, distribution, and trafficking of drugs.
