Mohamed Jalloh, a 32-year-old security guard was on Wednesday 13th September 2023 remanded by Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No.1 after he was unlawfully found in possession of 67 wraps of Indian Hemp, which is locally known as ‘Kush’, an illegal substance.

The accused made his first appearance in court and was arraigned on one count of Unlawful Possession of Indian Hemp (Kush) contrary to section 8 (a) of the National Drug Control Act.

Police alleged that on Saturday the 2nd of September, 2023 along Aberdeen Beach Road in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone Freetown had been found in possession of 67 wraps of Indian hemp (kush).

He pleaded not guilty after the charge was read and explained to him.

The Prosecution Witness, Sergeant 10960 Issa Saidu Koroma was in his testimony led in evidence by ASP Ibrahim Mansaray. He stated that he recognized the accused person and recalled that on the 2nd of September 2023, Inspector M.B. Koroma and team arrested and brought in the accused person together with 67 wraps of dry leaves, believed to be ‘kush’.

He added that the team who brought in the accused also brought him with a police report, which since that day had been in the custody of the police. Sergeant Koroma at this point of the proceedings then produced and tendered the document to form part of the court’s record.

On the 4th September 2023, the witness said himself together with Sergeant 9071 Bangura J.S. obtained a voluntary caution statement from the accused person, and that on the above date the substance was sent to the laboratory for it to be analyzed, adding that a reply was sent to them from the laboratory in respect of the substance,

He also produced and tendered the said report from the forensic expert. He added that on the 7th of September 2023 himself together with Inspector E Moses Kamara obtained a charge statement from the accused person and charged him with the offence of unlawful possession of ‘Kush’ also known as Indian Hemp.

He at this point also produced and tendered the Charge Statement to form part of the court’s record.

Lawyer W. Gaber Esq. cross examined the defense. He also applied that the accused be admitted to bail pursuant to section 79 sub section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Ngegba refused to admit the accused to bail and sent the accused person to the male correctional center in Freetown and the matter was adjourned to the 19th September 2023 for further hearing.