High-Profile Drug Case Escalates to High Court Following Forensic Evidence

The case involving Umar Mansaray, a prominent local businessman, has been escalated to the High Court after a preliminary hearing at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 8.

Mansaray faces multiple charges related to the illegal possession of controlled substances.

During the hearing before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura, Mansaray was formally charged with four criminal counts linked to drug offenses. The charges stem from two separate incidents in July 2025, revealing a pattern of suspected involvement in drug-related activities.

According to court documents, on July 1, 2025, Mansaray was stopped at a police checkpoint in the Southern Province near Freetown. Authorities reportedly found him in possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority. Subsequently, on July 22, 2025, at Waterloo in the Western Area of Freetown, officials seized thirteen plastic containers containing precursor chemicals commonly used in drug manufacturing.

The four counts against Mansaray include two for possession of illegal substances—namely cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids—and two counts for possession of chemicals intended for drug production, all without lawful authority. When the charges were read, Mansaray did not enter a plea, and his legal representatives requested further proceedings.

The prosecution presented Inspector Aminata Korio of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), as a key witness.

Inspector Korio testified that she conducted laboratory analyses on the seized exhibits, which included suspected cannabis dry leaves and chemical containers. Her forensic report confirmed the substances’ identities: samples tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids, propane, and methanol.

The report, signed on August 27, 2025, was admitted into court records as evidence.

Prosecutors concluded their presentation after the forensic testimony, asserting that the evidence was sufficient to proceed to a higher court for trial.
Representing the defendant, Lawyer Cecilia Peacock Esq., indicated that they intended to rely on Mansaray’s statement and prepare for the upcoming trial.

After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Samura ruled that the prosecution had established enough grounds for the case to be transferred to the High Court. As a result, Mansaray was remanded in custody and was denied bail.

The case is now scheduled for a full trial in the High Court in the coming weeks, where further proceedings will determine Mansaray’s fate.