By: Audrey Raymonda John
A husband and wife, Wasin Bello and Emah Bello, were arrested on May 29, 2024, for the unlawful possession of narcotic drugs under the Drugs Control Act, No. 10 of 2008.
According to the prosecution, on April 15, 2024, at the back of Kabba Lodge, Juba Hills, Freetown, the couple was found in possession of substances suspected to be kush, seven wraps of a black solid substance believed to be hash, and a small quantity of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.
During today’s court proceedings at Pademba Road Court No. 1, forensic analyst Dr. Joseph Steven, attached to TOGO, testified before Magistrate Sahr Kekura. Dr. Steven recalled that on April 15, 2024, while on duty with ESP Kamara, attached to the Lumley Police Division, he received a request for laboratory analysis of seized substances.
He confirmed that 20.9 grams of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa were allegedly seized from the accused. 30.5 grams of dried leaves suspected to be kush were also retrieved. 15.9 grams of a black solid substance, believed to be hash, were found in the couple’s possession.
Dr. Steven explained that he conducted a preliminary analysis of the substances and later took samples for further chemical and microscopic examination in the laboratory. The results confirmed that the seized substances tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids often found in kush, Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and another psychoactive compound.
The results were presented in court as Exhibits E1-6.
Meanwhile, bail was denied, and the accused remain in custody. The case has been adjourned to March 27, 2025.
