Three Airport Workers Remanded for Alleged Drug Trafficking and Theft at Freetown International Airport

Three airport workers accused of drug trafficking and related offenses at Freetown International Airport made their first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Monday, October 21, 2025.

The accused Johannese Tarawallie, Ibrahim Kamara, and Emmanuel John Bundu face five charges in total, including possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority, aiding and attempting to commit drug trafficking, and larceny, contrary to the National Drug Control Act of 2008 and the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the indictment, Tarawallie and Kamara allegedly possessed, aided, and trafficked cocaine at Freetown International Airport, Lungi, in the Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko District, on September 7, 2025. Bundu is further accused of stealing a mobile phone and two wristwatches from passengers’ luggage aboard an aircraft at the same time and location.

During the proceedings, the first and second defendants did not enter a plea, as drug possession offenses are non-bailable under the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024. Bundu, however, pleaded not guilty to the larceny charge, which is bailable under the same legislation.

Lead prosecutor Tommy Zizer requested an adjournment, citing the absence of witnesses, who are expected to appear at the next court session. Defense counsels A. B. Kamara and M. Y. Conteh did not oppose the adjournment or apply for bail on behalf of their clients.

However, H. Conteh, representing Bundu, applied for bail, arguing that his client is a Sierra Leonean with a fixed address abroad and would not interfere with witnesses or abscond. He also assured the court that credible sureties are available to stand for Bundu.

After consideration, Magistrate Fornah declined the bail request and ordered all three defendants remanded at the Male Correctional Facility until October 24, 2025, when the matter is scheduled for further hearing.