High-Profile Drug Case Of Entertainer, Heads to High Court

High-Profile Drug Case Of Entertainer, Heads to High Court

Local businessman Umar Mansaray has been ordered to stand trial at the High Court on serious drug charges, following a preliminary hearing at Pademba Road Court No. 8 before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura.

Mansaray faces four criminal counts related to the possession of illegal substances and precursor chemicals. According to court records, he was first apprehended on July 1, 2025, at a police checkpoint in the Southern Province near Freetown, allegedly in possession of prohibited drugs.

Further investigations led to a search on July 22, 2025, in Waterloo, Western Area of Freetown, where authorities reportedly discovered precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing. Thirteen plastic containers filled with these chemicals were seized from the same location. The charges against Mansaray include two counts for the unlawful possession of prohibited drugs and two for the unlawful possession of substances intended for drug production. He did not enter a plea when the charges were read in court.

A pivotal moment in the prosecution's case came with the testimony of Inspector Aminata Korio, a forensic analyst with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU). Inspector Korio presented laboratory results confirming the identity of various exhibits, including suspected cannabis dry leaves and the seized chemicals. Tests revealed the presence of synthetic cannabinoids, propane, and methanol. Her detailed forensic report, dated August 27, 2025, was admitted as evidence.

Prosecutors announced that they had concluded their case after presenting the forensic findings. Defence lawyer Cecilia Peacock Esq. indicated that her team would rely on Mansaray's previously given statement.

Magistrate Samura, after reviewing the presented evidence, determined that the prosecution had established sufficient grounds for the case to proceed to the High Court. Consequently, Mansaray was remanded in custody and denied bail.

The high-profile case is expected to be heard at the High Court in the coming weeks.