By: Audrey Raymonda John
Arkmed Kamara and Alhaji Abdulai Lumeh both accused appeared before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Court No.1 in Freetown for the offence of Unlawful possession of the prohibited drug to wit cocaine and supply of prohibited drug for sale contrary to section 8a and 7c of the national drugs control act 2008.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Sunday 26th February 2023 at Pelican Police Post checkpoint, Sir Samuel Lewis Road, Aberdeen in Freetown, both accused Arkmed Kamara was found in possession of 11 wraps of cocaine weighing 10.5 grams, while Alhaji Abdulai Lumeh supplied 11 wraps weighing 10.5 grams to Arkmed Kamara without lawful authority.
Both accused pleaded not guilty to the offence charged. At this stage, Police Prosecutor ASP Ibrahim S Mansaray informed the Bench that his witness was absent and therefore sought a short adjournment.
Lead Defense Counsel AK Koroma requested bail for his client citing section 79 of the criminal procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
He assured the Bench that both accused would not jump bail if it is granted, adding that his clients are Sierra Leonean; residing in Freetown.
Magistrate Ngegba refused both accused persons bail noting the seriousness of the offences, while the matter comes up again on Thursday 30th March 2023.
In another development in the same courtroom, Mohamed Sesay and Osman Bangura appeared for the offence of contravention of a requirement under section 59(1) of the pharmacy and drug act 2002 to wit possession of class A drug without reasonable excuse contrary to section 17 of the pharmacy and drug Act 2001.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at the Freetown International airport, Lungi, in Port Loko Judicial District, Kaffu Bullom chiefdom, first accused Mohamed Sesay was found in possession of class ‘A’ drug to wit 462 strips of new royal tramadol 225mg tablets weighing 267.9grams, while Osman Bangura was found in possession of class ‘A’ drug to wit 138 strips of Tapentadol 225mg tablets weighing at 83.9 grams without reasonable excuse.
They pleaded not guilty, while police prosecutor Inspector Kadie M. Taylor intimated to the Bench that her witness was absent and wished to proceed on the next date.
Defense Counsel KT Dauda Esq. applied for bail but it was rejected, while the matter will come up on Friday 31st March 2023.
