High Court Remands Businessman Accused of Possessing and Transporting Kush

The Freetown High Court on Monday remanded businessman James Kamara in custody after he was arraigned on charges of possession and transportation of a prohibited drug (Kush).

Kamara appeared before Justice Mark Ngegba, facing two counts under Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act of 2008: possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority and transportation of a prohibited drug without lawful authority.

According to the indictment, the offences occurred on Friday, 25 July 2025, at the Bo Checkpoint in the Southern Province, where Kamara was allegedly found in possession of three and a half black polythene bags containing Kush.

When the charges were read and explained, the defendant did not enter a plea, citing the seriousness of the offences.

The case was initially heard at Magistrate Court No. 1 before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah, where witnesses presented evidence led by State Counsel M. B. N. Taylor Kamara. Witnesses were cross-examined by Defence Counsel M. Sesay. After the preliminary hearing, the magistrate committed Kamara to the High Court for trial.

During Monday’s High Court session, Prosecutor M. Jalloh requested an adjournment due to the absence of key witnesses. Justice Ngegba subsequently remanded the defendant in custody and scheduled the next hearing for 21 January 2026.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the possession and transportation of prohibited drugs in Sierra Leone.