By: Audrey Raymonda John
Alpha Alarty, a labourer, has been committed to the High Court by Magistrate Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.
Alarty faced two charges: possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority and dealing in a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Sections 8(a) and 7(c) of the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
According to police reports, on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, at Bomeh, Ferry Junction, Freetown, in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, Alarty was allegedly found in possession of two compressed parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana) without any lawful authorization.
It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, Alarty engaged in the dealing and distribution of the prohibited substance without lawful authority.
When the charges were read, no plea was taken, as the case was still at the preliminary investigation stage.
State Prosecutor A.B.N. Taylor Kamara informed the court that the prosecution had presented sufficient prima facie evidence linking the accused to the offences. He requested that the court commit the accused to the High Court for trial.
After reviewing the evidence, including witness testimonies and exhibits presented by the prosecution, Magistrate Braima Jah stated that a prima facie case had been established against the accused. The magistrate further noted that Alarty had not provided any lawful explanation for possessing the controlled substance and emphasized that offences involving prohibited drugs are serious matters that fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court.
Magistrate Jah concluded by committing Alpha Alarty to stand trial before the High Court in Freetown. The accused was ordered to remain in custody until the commencement of the trial in the superior court.