By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown — A British national, Salim Alieu Bangura, was arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after being found in possession of 34 compressed parcels of suspected Cannabis Sativa at Freetown International Airport, Lungi.
Bangura was intercepted while attempting to board an Air Marco flight. The parcels were discovered in his final pieces of luggage during routine security checks. He claimed the dried leaves were cassava leaves given to him by an acquaintance for transport to England.
The accused faces two counts: Possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority and transportation of prohibited drugs without lawful authority.
These charges are in violation of Sections 8(a) and 7(b) of the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008.
According to the indictment, the incident occurred on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, when Bangura was allegedly found with 34 compressed parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing a total of 30.1 kilograms.
Lead prosecutor, State Counsel Nathaniel Williams, called Cyber Analyst Joseph Steven (Badge No. 13716) from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit to testify. Steven stated that he was on duty on July 8, 2025, when Inspector Alpha Turay submitted the parcels for forensic analysis.
Steven explained that he conducted presumptive tests, chemical analysis, and microscopic examination of the samples. The results confirmed the presence of cannabinoids, identifying the substance as Cannabis Sativa. The forensic laboratory report was tendered in court as part of the prosecution’s evidence.
Defense counsel Michael Pale cross-examined the witness, challenging aspects of the forensic process. However, Magistrate Jah ordered that Bangura be remanded in custody pending further hearings.
The case has been adjourned to Thursday, August 14, 2025, for continuation.