Magistrate Denies Bail to Businessman Over Drug Related Charges

Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura has denied bail to businessman Umar Mansaray, citing the seriousness of the charges against him.

Mansaray faces allegations of drug possession and manufacturing chemicals, with authorities uncovering further illicit substances at one of his addresses.

Mansaray was initially arrested on July 1, 2025, in the Southern Province for possessing prohibited drugs. On July 22, 2025, he was charged in Waterloo, Western Area, with possessing precursor chemicals and thirteen containers of other substances used in drug production. Inspector Saffia Amara of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) testified, presenting seized substances, passports, and voluntary statements from Mansaray.

Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of precursor chemicals and other drug-related materials. Further searches at Old Motor Road, Freetown, uncovered additional evidence, including passports from Sierra Leone and Uruguay, along with more chemical items.

The case has been adjourned to September 8, 2025, as authorities continue to intensify investigations into alleged drug trafficking activities.