By: Audrey Raymonda John
Businessman Umar Mansaray made another appearance before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura of Pademba Road Court No. 8 on four charges related to the alleged possession of prohibited drugs. The charges include two counts of possessing a prohibited drug without lawful authority and two counts of possessing substances used in the manufacturing of drugs without lawful authority.
According to the particulars of the offence, Mansaray is accused of the following:
Count One and Two stated that on 1st July 2025, at a police checkpoint in Bo, Southern Province, Freetown, Mansaray was found in possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority.
Count Three noted that on 22nd July 2025, in Waterloo, Western Area, Freetown, he was found in possession of precursor chemicals used for manufacturing drugs without lawful authority.
Count Four revealed that on the same date and location, he was found with thirteen transparent plastic containers containing precursor chemicals used for manufacturing drugs, again without lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained, Mansaray did not enter a plea.
Inspector Aminata Korio led the second prosecution witness, DPC 13682 John Umaru, an exhibit clerk attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU). Umaru’s duties include registering cases, taking custody of exhibits, and tendering evidence in court.
Umaru testified that on 25th August 2025, while on duty, DPC 13849 Amara S., attached to the Anti-Drug Syndicate, brought several items to their office. The items included:
Transparent polythene bags, each containing a leafy substance identified as “kush” (cannabis).
Two white half-filled nylon bags, each containing a similar leafy substance. Thirteen one-litre jars containing liquid methanol. Two-gallon rubber containers containing liquid acetone.
These items were recorded in the court’s exhibit book under serial number 85/2025. A portion of the exhibit was handed over to Umaru by CSP M.K. Alieu, head of TOCU, and was subsequently produced and tendered as evidence in court.
The witness was cross-examined by defence counsel, Cecilia F. Peacock Esq., who also renewed her previous application for bail on behalf of the accused.
Magistrate Samura, after considering the seriousness of the charges, refused to grant bail. The matter has been adjourned to 15th September 2025.