Trader to Face High Court Trial for Possession of 80 Wraps of Kush

Trader to Face High Court Trial for Possession of 80 Wraps of Kush

Twenty-eight-year-old trader Alie Kamara has been committed to the High Court by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, following his arraignment on drug possession charges.

Kamara faces a single count of possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act of 2008.

According to police reports, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Culvert, off Race Course Road in Freetown, Kamara was found in possession of 80 wraps of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, commonly known as “kush,” without lawful authority.

The case was led in evidence by State Prosecutor ABN Taylor. The prosecution called ASP Joseph Stevens, a forensic analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), as an expert witness. ASP Stevens explained that his role involved analyzing drugs and chemical substances submitted for forensic examination.

He testified that on June 4, 2024, Detective Sergeant Mohamed Kandeh of Ross Road Police Station submitted a laboratory request form for analysis of the 80 wraps of dried leaves, weighing 60.4 grams, believed to be cannabis sativa, allegedly seized from the accused.

ASP Stevens detailed that he conducted a presumptive test in the presence of the accused, followed by comprehensive laboratory analysis, including chemical and microscopic examinations. His findings confirmed that the substance tested positive for cannabis sativa.

A forensic report dated July 9, 2024, was produced, signed, and tendered in court as Exhibit E1–2.

The defendant was given the opportunity to cross-examine the witness but declined, stating he had no questions.

After hearing the evidence, the prosecution submitted that sufficient prima facie evidence had been established against Kamara to warrant his committal to the High Court for trial. The court was urged to send the matter to the higher court accordingly.

In ruling, Magistrate Jah agreed that the prosecution had presented a prima facie case. He therefore ordered that Kamara be committed to the High Court for trial and remain in custody until his appearance before the superior court.