Businesswoman Faces High Court Over Cocaine Charges at Lungi Airport

Businesswoman Faces High Court Over Cocaine Charges at Lungi Airport

Mishella Koroma, a prominent businesswoman, has been committed to the High Court to stand trial on charges of unlawful possession and trafficking of cocaine. The committal follows a preliminary investigation into her arrest at Freetown International Airport in Lungi, where she was allegedly found with two parcels of cocaine.

Koroma appeared before Magistrate John Manson Fornah at Pademba Road Court No.2 for the preliminary investigation, facing four charges, including collecting, dealing in, transporting, and possessing a prohibited drug without lawful authority. Police allege that on Sunday, May 10, 2025, Koroma unlawfully collected, dealt with, and transported a prohibited drug at the airport, and was subsequently found in possession of two small parcels of cocaine.

During the proceedings, Magistrate Fornah noted that the prosecution had presented three witnesses who were fully cross-examined by the defense. Emphasizing the legal standard in criminal cases, he cited Woolington vs DPP (1935), stating that the prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. He further referenced Koroma vs R (1964-66) ALR SL 424, explaining that failure to meet this burden would result in acquittal.

Magistrate Fornah concluded that sufficient evidence had been presented to establish a prima facie case linking Koroma to the offenses, thereby warranting her committal to the High Court for trial.

Defense counsel C. Pujeh's application for bail was refused by Magistrate Fornah, who cited the serious nature of the charges. Koroma has been in remand at the Female Correctional Centre in Freetown since her initial arrest and has appeared before Magistrate Fornah ten times. Her case is now slated for further proceedings in the High Court.