British National Busted at Lungi Airport with 34 Parcels of Suspected Cannabis Sativa

A British national, Salim Alieu Bangura, was apprehended at Lungi Airport on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after authorities discovered 34 parcels of suspected Cannabis Sativa in his luggage. 

Bangura, who claimed the packages contained cassava leaves, was attempting to board an Air Marco flight bound for England.

Bangura appeared before Principal Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1, facing two counts: possession and transportation of prohibited drugs without lawful authority, violations of Sections 8(a) and 7(b) of the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008.

According to allegations, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Freetown International Airport, Lungi, Bangura was found in possession of the thirty-four compressed parcels of Cannabis Sativa without lawful authority.

During the prosecution's testimony, State Counsel Nathaniel Williams called Joseph Steven, a Cyber Analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit. Steven detailed his role in analyzing drugs and chemical substances. 

He recounted receiving the 34 suspected parcels, weighing approximately 30.1 kilograms, from Inspector Alpha Turay on July 8, 2025. Steven conducted a presumptive analysis and collected samples for further testing. 

Subsequent chemical analysis and microscopic examination confirmed the presence of cannabinoids, indicating the parcels contained Cannabis Sativa. The forensic analysis report was submitted as evidence.

Defense counsel Michael Pale cross-examined the witness, who reaffirmed his findings.

Bangura has been remanded in custody until August 14, 2025, when the case is slated to continue.