By: Audrey Raymonda John
David Johnson and Jelika Conteh made their first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on seven counts related to the unlawful possession, transportation, and dealing of prohibited drugs, contrary to the National Drug Control Act, 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
The charges include: Collection of a prohibited drug without lawful authority Section 7(b), Transportation of a prohibited drug without lawful authority Section 7(b), Possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority Section 8(a), Dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority Section 7(c), Repeated possession of prohibited drug without lawful authority Section 8(a), Repeated transportation of a prohibited drug without lawful authority Section 7(b)and Offering for sale a prohibited drug without lawful authority Section 7(c)
According to the particulars of offence, on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, at the Mile 18 police checkpoint in Kambia District, Northern Province, the accused persons allegedly collected, transported, possessed, and attempted to sell eighty-nine (89) compressed parcels of Cannabis Sativa without lawful authority.
The prosecution alleges that Johnson and Conteh were apprehended at the checkpoint in possession of the prohibited substances, which they were reportedly transporting with the intention to distribute.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken.
State Prosecutor A.N. Taylor Esq. requested a short adjournment to allow for a pre-trial conference with his witnesses.
The accused are represented by Defense Counsel A. Kamara.
Magistrate Jah refused bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter has been adjourned to 24th June 2025 for further proceedings.