Two students sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison for drugs: Judge said the decision is in their favor

Two individuals who were facing trial for drug possession were sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison by a Lefkosa High Criminal court on Friday.

The court decision against the defendants O.K.O. and M.C.A., was announced on Friday November 1.

The suspects who are both Nigerians were caught with 1 kilogram and 798 grams of drugs during a police operation in Ahmet Sami Topcan Street in Lefkosia on December, 30, 2023.

Delivering the judgement, the judge stressed that drug crimes pose a serious threat to society and underlined that deterrent punishments should be given to such crimes. 

The judge stated that the defendants who were tried in a total of four cases were found guilty and sentenced in all cases.

The judge stated that drug crimes carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and that exemplary sentences should be given. He noted that the defendants committed this crime due to financial difficulties and that they acted together to procure and sell drugs.

The court took into account that the amount seized by the defendants was 1 kilo 798 grams, but that the substance in question was the most harmless type of cannabis. 

The judge emphasized the seriousness and prevalence of the crime committed, and stated that the defendants had commercial purposes, which was an aggravating factor.

Considering the young age of the defendants and the acceptance of their cases, the judge announced that they sentenced both defendants to 4 years and 6 months in prison in their favor.