By Josephine Sesay

His Worship Chief Justice Komba Kamanda

Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda, has introduced new practice directives designed to overhaul the handling of drug-related cases in the country’s justice system, the measures, which came into effect on 1 December 2025, follow growing alarm over the surge in drug production, trafficking, and abuse nationwide.

According to an official memorandum circulated to key justice-sector institutions including the Attorney General’s office, the Directorate of public prosecutions, judges, magistrates, and the Master and Registrar the directives form part of broader efforts to reinforce the judiciary’s response to the escalating drug crisis.

A key element of the reforms requires that all drug-related cases be tried and concluded exclusively in the High Court. This marks a significant departure from previous practice, where both Magistrates’ Courts and the High Court processed such cases depending on severity or legal classification.

Judicial sources say the change aims to ensure consistency in judgments and reduce the delays that have historically undermined drug prosecutions. The decision has, however, sparked debate among legal practitioners about its possible impact on defendants’ rights particularly the right to appeal and whether lower courts will still conduct preliminary hearings.

The directives come amid increasing violations under the National Drugs Control Act of 2008. Sierra Leone has witnessed a rise in illegal drug markets, including the spread of synthetic substances that have worsened health risks and fueled security concerns in both urban and rural communities.

Chief Justice Kamanda’s move is expected to streamline legal procedures, strengthen law enforcement efforts, and signal a renewed commitment from the judiciary to tackle drug crimes with greater urgency.

While many stakeholders view the reforms as a timely and necessary intervention, others argue that more clarity is needed especially regarding appeal procedures and how ongoing cases will transition into the new system.

Additional guidance is expected in the coming days as the courts begin implementing the directives across the country.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 5th December 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)