A 35-year-old Nigerian national, Newton Johnson, has been sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled drug, specifically 2.9 kilograms of cocaine.
The charges against Johnson stem from an incident on November 9, 2024, at th
e Freetown International Airport, where he was allegedly discovered with two compressed parcels of cocaine.
Appearing before the Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice A.S. Allieu, Johnson openly admitted to the offense, telling the court, “The allegation against me is true.” His admission led to an immediate conviction without the need for a prolonged trial.
The case highlights the Sierra Leone judiciary’s firm stance against drug-related offenses, particularly those involving hard substances such as cocaine. Authorities have emphasized that such offenses pose serious threats to public health and national security.
Following the sentencing, court officials reiterated that the judgment serves as a warning to others engaged in or considering involvement in illegal drug activities.
The conviction marks another significant outcome in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and maintain law and order.
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