Two Traders Remanded in Custody Over Alleged Drug Offences

Two Traders Remanded in Custody Over Alleged Drug Offences

At Pademba Road Court No.4, two petty traders are facing serious criminal charges concerning the possession, transportation, and dealing of illicit drugs.

Kadiatu Kondeh and Mariama Stella Koroma, both residing in Kolley Compound, Aberdeen, appeared before Magistrate Adama Kandeh to answer to the allegations. The charges against them are brought under Sierra Leone's National Drug Control Act of 2008.

It is alleged that on October 15, 2025, Kadiatu Kondeh was apprehended in possession of 239 wraps of cannabis and a small black polythene bag containing loose cannabis. She is accused of possessing, transporting, dealing in, and selling the controlled substance without lawful authority.

Similarly, Mariama Stella Koroma was allegedly found with 509 wraps of "kush," and is also facing accusations of being involved in the transportation, dealing, and sale of the prohibited drug. Each woman faces four counts, with the prosecution asserting their involvement in multiple facets of drug-related offences.

The charges were formally read in court, but neither defendant entered a plea as they are currently undergoing a preliminary investigation.

The prosecution, led by Chief Superintendent T.B Zizer, requested a brief adjournment to present their evidence, including the defendants’ statements. At this initial appearance, both women were unrepresented by legal counsel and were served with the prosecution’s documents.

Magistrate Kandeh, citing the gravity of the allegations, denied bail and ordered both women to be remanded at the Freetown Correctional Center. The case has been adjourned until November 19, 2025, for further proceedings.

This case highlights the sustained efforts by Sierra Leonean authorities to combat drug trafficking and possession, underscoring the legal ramifications for those involved in such illicit activities. The court’s decision to keep the defendants in custody reflects the seriousness with which the justice system regards drug-related crimes.