A businessman, Nyakeh Vandy, has been remanded in custody after being charged with multiple drug-related offenses, including possession, dealing, and transportation of prohibited substances.

The case was brought before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, where Vandy faced three serious charges related to the possession and distribution of kush, a locally known illegal drug.

The charges stem from an incident on August 25th, 2024, at the Fallah security checkpoint in Bo City, Southern Province. According to the police, Vandy was found with two black polythene bags filled with loose quantities of kush.

The first charge accuses him of possessing prohibited drugs without lawful authority, while the second charge alleges that he was involved in dealing with these substances.

The third charge relates to his transportation of the drugs onboard a vehicle with registration number AWQ 115, again without lawful authority.

During the court proceedings, the charges were read to Vandy, but no plea was taken. He appeared in court without legal representation, and Magistrate Kekura denied his bail request. As a result, Vandy was sent to the male correctional facility in Freetown, where he will remain until his next court appearance, scheduled for September 24th, 2024.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities to tackle the illegal drug trade in Sierra Leone, with kush being one of the most widely abused substances.

The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it unfolds in the coming weeks.