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Umar Mansaray, a prominent businessman, appeared in Freetown court today facing serious drug manufacturing and possession charges, with bail denied amid mounting evidence.
According to court records, on July 1, 2025, at a police checkpoint in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone, Mansaray was found in possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority.
Additionally, on July 22, 2025, at Waterloo in the Western Area, he was alleged to have possessed precursor chemicals used for drug manufacturing. On the same date and location, he was also accused of possessing thirteen containers of chemicals used for manufacturing drugs.
The charges were read to Mansaray, who did not enter a plea.
The prosecution called Inspector Saffia Amara of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) as the first witness.
Inspector Amara testified that he recognized Mansaray in the dock and outlined the investigation process, including the collection of evidence such as arrest reports, voluntary statements from the accused, and exhibits.
Inspector Amara detailed that additional statements were taken from Mansaray in Krio and English, both of which were read and signed by the accused.
Forensic examinations of the seized items were requested and conducted, revealing various materials including precursor chemicals, documents such as passports—one bearing Mansaray’s photograph—and other items of police interest like leaves and substances related to drug production.
Further investigations included searches at Old Motor Road, Freetown, where more evidence was recovered, including passports from Sierra Leone and Uruguay, and other chemical items. A request was made to the immigration authorities to verify the passports’ authenticity.
Forensic analysis results were also received, and legal advice was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case was adjourned to September 8, 2025. Magistrate Samura declined bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, and the matter was adjourned for further proceedings.
