Magistrate Remands Two For Unlawful Possession of Diamba
By Fatima Sesay
Yama Kaprr Kamara and Abu Conteh were on Wednesday 2 July 2025 sent to prison by Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura of Pademba Road court No.8 for being found with Cannabis Sativa without lawful authority.
The accused persons made their first appearance in court and were arraigned on a count charge of Possession of prohibited drug without lawful authority contrary to section 8 (a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008, Act No.10 of 2008.
The particulars of offense states that the accused persons on Sunday 27th April 2025 at Makondu Village, Lower Yoni Chiefdom, were found in possession of sixteen (16) compressed bales of cannabis sativa without lawful authority.
When the charge was read and explained to both accused persons, no plea was taken.
The witness, Police Constable 13716, Joseph Stevens, attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), said he is a forensic analyst and that some of his responsibilities are to analyse drugs and other chemical substances submitted to him for analysis and expert opinions.
He recalled on the 30th April 2025, that he was on duty when Inspector Alpha Turay, attached at the same office (TOCU), submitted to him sixteen compressed parcel containing loose quantity of dried leaf, substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.
He furthered that in his analysis; the said substance weighed 20.9 kilograms, adding that he took some samples and conducted examinations. And at the end of the examination, the sample collected tested positive for tetrahedron cannabinol. He then reduced the analysis into a report, which was signed and dated by him.
The analysis report was produced and tendered in court to form part of the court records.
The witness was cross-examined by Defense Counsel K.Bangura.
Magistrate Samura refused bail to the accused based on the seriousness of the offence and sent both accused persons to the male and female correctional facility in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 9th July 2025 for further hearing.
