Marcel Okechuku Zoro, a Nigerian national, made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Court No.1 along Pademba Road in Freetown on four counts, ranging from importation of Class ‘A’ drug without license, contrary to Section 45 b of the Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001, importation of a prohibited drug to wit, synthetic tramadol hydrochloride, contrary to Section 7 b of the National Drugs Act, 2008 and having a prohibited drug under his control to wit, synthetic tramadol hydrochloride, contrary to Section 8 of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008

According to the particulars of offence, on Thursday 23rd December 2021 at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Cline Town in the Western Area in Freetown, the accused allegedly imported thirty-seven cartoons of tramadol hydrochloride (labeled new royal 225 mg tablets) weighing 744.5 kilograms from India to Sierra Leone without license and lawful authority.

Counsel representing the accused person, Jessie M Jengo applied for bail on behalf of the accused person pursuant to Section 79 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965. He said the accused person has reliable sureties who are willing and ready to enter into recognizance on his behalf and he will not interfere with prosecution witness or witnesses.

However, Magistrate Kekura, taken into consideration the seriousness of the allegation, refused bail and sent the accused person to the Male Correctional Center in Freetown

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Christiana Davies Cole is prosecuting the matter which was adjourned to the 28th February 2022 for further hearing.