Magistrate Kekura Takes Tough Stance Against Illegal Drug Manufacturers

By Bonnke Fofanah

Andrew Momoh Jah, a bike rider, Daniel Kamara, a Labourer, Zainab Kamara, a Business woman, and Thomas Leigh Koroma, unemployed, made their first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on thirteen count charges; to wit: Manufacturing a prohibited drug without lawful authority, producing a prohibited drug without lawful authority, transporting a prohibited drug without lawful authority, collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority, supplying a prohibited drug without lawful authority, selling a prohibited drug without lawful authority, dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority, possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, possession of a substance used for the manufacturing of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, transporting materials used for the production of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, transporting substances used for the production of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, keeping a prohibited drug without lawful authority, and keeping substance used for the production of prohibited drug without lawful authority.

According to the particulars of offence, on Wednesday 20th November 2024, at No.66 Kanu Drive, Temne Town, Allen Town in the Western Urban Area of Freetown the accused were found manufacturing Kush without lawful authority.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons were found producing prohibited drug (Kush) without lawful authority.

Count three further stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons were found transporting prohibited drug without lawful authority.

Count four further stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons collected prohibited drugs without lawful authority.

Count five further stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons supplied prohibited drugs without lawful authority.

Count six: on the same date and place, the accused persons sold a prohibited drug without lawful authority.

Count seven stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons dealt in a prohibited drug without lawful authority.

Count eight stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons were found in possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority.

Count nine stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons were found in possession of substances used for the manufacturing of prohibited drugs without lawful authority.

Count ten stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons were found transporting materials used for the production of prohibited drugs without lawful authority.

Count eleven stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons were found transporting substances used for the production of a prohibited drug without lawful authority.

Count twelve stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons kept a prohibited drug without lawful authority.

Count thirteen stated that on the same date and place, the accused persons kept substances used for the production of prohibited drug without lawful authority.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, no plea was taken.

Defense Counsel I.A Kamara applied for and on behalf of the accused persons to be admitted to bail, stating that they are resident in Freetown and have a fixed abode and are not a flight risk. He made his application pursuant to section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965, adding that the accused persons, if granted bail, would be in court on every adjourned date and that they have reliable sureties who are willing and ready to go into recognisance on their behalf.

Meanwhile Magistrate Kekura refused bail based on the seriousness of the allegation levied against them and adjourned the matter to the 14th January 2025.