State Counsel M. Wood, yesterday urged Justice Joseph Wowo of the High Court in Banjul not to reduce the sentence passed on one Lamin Kanyi, a drug convict by the Brikama Magistrates Court.

Kanyi was convicted and sentenced by then Magistrate Edrissa Mbai of the Brikama Magistrates Court to pay a fine of one million dalasis (D1,000,000) or in default to serve 5 years imprisonment, and in addition to serve a 10-year mandatory jail term for allegedly trafficking 2kg, 200 grams of cannabis sativa on the 19th of April 2008. State Counsel Wood argued that the convict was rightly charged with the appropriate offense and sentenced by the lower court.

Ms Wood further argued that the lower court gave the mandatory sentence stipulated by Section 43 (1) of the Drug Control Act 2003 and urged the court to reject the convict's appeal. In his appeal, the convict who was not represented by a legal practitioner, begged the court to temper justice with mercy, noting that he has a large family. The appellant said he got into the drug business because of the pressure and responsibility of taking care of his family.

The appellant disclosed that things have become more difficult for him and his family since he was incarcerated and begged the court to reduce the sentence imposed on him by the lower court. Justice Wowo then asked him whether he was forced to have many children and if he would not get into the drug business again if his sentence is reduced. The appellant replied that he would. The matter was then adjourned for judgement on 30th June 2009.