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An attempted drug trafficking incident at Freetown International Airport has led to the seizure of 24 plastic sachets containing amphetamine, a high-risk illicit substance, intended for transport to the Philippines.
The two individuals involved, Sekou Tidiane Camara, a Guinean national, and Mabinty Sufian Kargbo, a security personnel at the airport, have been brought before the court to face a total of six charges related to the unlawful possession and transportation of high-risk drugs.
The indictment reveals that both accused individuals were apprehended in possession of 24 plastic sachets of amphetamine, classified as a high-risk drug, on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi. It is alleged that they intended to dispatch this illegal substance to Manila, Philippines, without the necessary legal authorization.
Furthermore, the police allege that Mabinty Sufian Kargbo, the second accused, actively aided and abetted Sekou Tidiane Camara in the illegal transportation of the drugs during the period spanning Saturday, August 26, to Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Freetown International Airport.
Additionally, the police claim that on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Freetown International Airport, both accused individuals obstructed Police Corporal 14366 Peter Sheku Konneh in the execution of his duties at the main entrance of the airport by failing to provide the essential information requested by law enforcement.
During their recent court appearance, the accused individuals refrained from entering a plea as the case remains in the preliminary investigation phase.
The second prosecution witness, Corporal Fanta Fofanah, provided crucial testimony in court. She recounted her encounter with the accused persons, detailing how on August 26, 2023, while on duty at the airport, she observed both accused persons arriving on a motorbike. In an attempt to question the first accused, Camara, Fofanah encountered a language barrier as he couldn’t speak Krio. The second accused, Kargbo, clarified that she was accompanying Camara to transport spare parts.
Fofanah informed the court that she later received information suggesting that the items in question contained prohibited substances. Acting on this information, she and her supervisor subjected the spare parts to a thorough screening process, revealing the presence of concealed prohibited drugs. Following her supervisor’s directives, the spare parts, which were later identified as tires, were opened, exposing the concealed drugs. These items were subsequently handed over to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kamanda, a Trans-National Organized Crime Officer, for further investigation.
The witness added that she provided a statement at the Lungi Police Station on August 28, 2023.
During cross-examination, the defense counsel for both accused individuals requested bail, which was opposed by Police Prosecutor Lawyer Juan Bull, who stressed the gravity of the offenses committed. Magistrate Marke Ngegba upheld the seriousness of the charges and ordered the remand of the accused persons.
