By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 28-year-old trader, Alie Kamara, has been committed to the High Court by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown. Kamara faces a charge of possessing prohibited drugs without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act of 2008.
According to the police, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Culvert, off Race Course Road, Freetown, Kamara was found in possession of 80 wraps of a substance suspected to be “kush” (cannabis sativa), without lawful authority.
State Prosecutor ABN Taylor Kamara Esq. led Assistant Superintendent of Police Joseph Stevens, a forensic analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), as an expert witness. ASP Stevens explained that his role involves analyzing drugs and other chemical substances submitted for forensic examination.
ASP Stevens testified that on Thursday, June 4, 2024, Detective Sergeant Mohamed Kandeh of the Ross Road Police Station submitted a laboratory request form for the analysis of 80 wraps of dry leaves, suspected to be cannabis sativa (commonly known as “kush”). The total weight was 60.4 grams. These wraps had allegedly been seized from the defendant.
He further explained that he conducted a presumptive test in the presence of the accused, followed by a full laboratory examination, which included chemical and microscopic crystal analyses. At the conclusion of his analysis, Stevens confirmed that the substance tested positive for cannabis sativa.
A forensic report, dated July 9, 2024, was produced, signed, and tendered in court as Exhibit E1–2.
Kamara was given the opportunity to cross-examine the witness but declined, stating that he had no questions.
Following the testimony, the prosecution submitted that prima facie evidence had been established against the accused, which was sufficient to warrant a committal to the High Court for trial.
In his ruling, Magistrate Jah confirmed that a prima facie case had been established. He therefore committed Kamara to the High Court for trial and ordered that he remain in custody pending his appearance before the superior court.