By: Audrey Raymonda John
A Guinean businessman, Mohamed Jalloh, has appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown on multiple charges, including unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited drugs, and customs evasion.
According to the charge sheet, Jalloh was arrested on 26th July 2025 at the Gbalamuya Customs Post in Kambia District, Northern Province. He was allegedly found in possession of 79 grosses, nine packets, and nine strips of Tramadol 225MG without lawful authority.
He faces three counts including possession of a prohibited drug, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008, transportation of a prohibited drug, contrary to Section 7(b) of the same Act and evasion of customs duties, contrary to Section 77(c) of the Customs Act 2011, relating to 132 undeclared mobile phones.
Testifying in court, Detective Sergeant Sundu S.K. of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) confirmed that the case was referred to his unit on 3rd August 2025. He presented the seized Tramadol as Exhibits B1–B3, along with the defendant’s voluntary caution statement and the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that led to the formal charges.
During cross-examination, defense counsel JN Gengo questioned the integrity of the investigation, highlighting that other passengers in the vehicle were not questioned or cautioned. He also emphasized that Detective Sergeant Sundu was not present at the scene of the arrest, arguing that the case should be committed to the High Court for a more thorough review.
In response, State Counsel A.B.N. Taylor Kamara submitted that the prosecution had established a prima facie case sufficient to proceed to trial.
In his closing remarks, Magistrate Jah stated that the court would review the evidence carefully to determine whether the case merits committal to the High Court, adding that the decision would be guided by the law not public opinion.
The matter has been adjourned to 21st August 2025 for ruling.