Businessman Denied Bail Amid Serious Drug Trafficking Charges in Freetown

Businessman Denied Bail Amid Serious Drug Trafficking Charges in Freetown

A prominent businessman, Umar Mansaray, was denied bail today in Freetown court after being charged with drug possession and manufacturing chemicals. The ongoing investigation has uncovered further illicit substances at one of his addresses.

Mansaray was initially apprehended on July 1, 2025, in the Southern Province for possessing prohibited drugs. On July 22, 2025, in Waterloo, Western Area, he was further accused of possessing precursor chemicals and thirteen containers of other chemicals used for drug manufacturing.

Inspector Saffia Amara of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) testified, detailing the collection of evidence including seized substances, passports, and voluntary statements from Mansaray. Forensic examinations confirmed the presence of precursor chemicals and other drug-related materials.

Further searches at Old Motor Road, Freetown, yielded additional evidence, including passports from Sierra Leone and Uruguay, and more chemical items.

The case has been adjourned to September 8, 2025, with Magistrate Samura citing the seriousness of the charges as the reason for denying bail. Authorities continue to intensify their investigation into alleged drug trafficking activities.