By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 2, 2025: Two businessmen, Yama Kaprr Kamara and Abu Conteh, have been remanded in custody by Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura of Pademba Road Court No. 8 on charges of unlawful possession of a prohibited drug. The pair were arrested after allegedly being found in possession of a substantial quantity of cannabis sativa, commonly known locally as “jamba.”
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on Sunday, 27 April 2025, in Makondu Village, Lower Yoni Chiefdom. Both accused were arraigned on a single count of Possession of a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
During court proceedings, Police Constable 13716 Joseph Stevens, a forensic analyst with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified as a prosecution witness. He told the court that:
On 30 April 2025, he received 16 compressed bales of a dried leaf substance from Inspector Alpha Turay, also of TOCU.
Laboratory tests revealed the substance weighed 20.9 kilograms and tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in cannabis.
His detailed forensic analysis was submitted and tendered in court as part of the evidence.
Defense counsel K. Bangura cross-examined the forensic expert. However, Magistrate Samura denied bail, citing the severity of the offense, and ordered both accused to be remanded in male and female correctional facilities in Freetown, respectively.
The case has been adjourned to 9 July 9, 2025, for continuation.