Portuguese Nationals Remanded for Alleged Possession of 8 Parcels of Cocaine

Two Portuguese nationals, Sana Seidia and Samba Balde, have been remanded in custody after making their first appearance before Magistrate Shar Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown.

They are facing four counts of possession and transportation of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, in violation of Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008.

The accused were arrested on September 29, 2024, at Freetown International Airport, Lungi, after being allegedly caught in possession of eight compressed parcels of cocaine weighing 8.9 kilograms.

During the court proceedings, State Counsel I.A. Kamara led Detective Police Officer 13716 Joseph Stevens, a forensic analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), as the first prosecution witness.

Detective Stevens recounted that on September 30, 2024, Inspector Steven Alpha Turay of TOCU submitted a laboratory request form along with two separate samples of suspected narcotics for analysis. He explained that he conducted a presumptive analysis on both samples in the presence of the accused. Additionally, he collected a loose quantity of the suspected cocaine from the exhibit clerk and carried out a chemical microscopic crystal examination.

His findings confirmed that both samples tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride. The results were documented in a forensic report, which was signed and dated October 4, 2024. The report was subsequently tendered in court as evidence.

According to the charges presented in court:

On count one and two, Sana Seidia was found in possession of and transporting eight compressed parcels of cocaine without lawful authority at Freetown International Airport on September 29, 2024.

On count three and four, Samba Balde was similarly charged with possession and transportation of eight compressed parcels of cocaine on the same date and location.

When the charges were read to them, no plea was taken, Court Denies Bail, Accused Remanded

Following the hearing, Magistrate Shar Kekura denied bail and ordered that both accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown. The matter has been adjourned to April 2, 2025.

The case remains under investigation as authorities continue their crackdown on drug trafficking in Sierra Leone.