By:Audrey Raymonda John
Abass Chernor Kamara a petty trader was on Wednesday 11th October 2023was sent to prison by Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Court No1 for 33 wraps of Kush.
The accused made his first appearance in court and was charge with one count of Unlawful Possession of dried leaves (Kush) contrary to section 8(a) of the National drugs control Act No 10 of 2008.
According to the indictment, the accused on Friday 18th August 2023, at second bridge, Gloucester village Freetown in the mountain rural district was found in possession of 33 wraps of dried leaves-Kush.
When the charge was read, he pleaded not guilty.
First Prosecution Witness (PW1) Detective police constable 20091 Tinga Kamara in his testimony led by Inspector Sellu TAP said he is attached to the investigation branch mountain police division.
He recognized accused person and recalled on Friday 18 August 2023.
He said on that day, he was on duty at the station when the operation team led by Inspector Lamin Soko Kamara onboarded SLP 074 and went on patrol.
On their arrival, he said they arrested and brought in the accused person together with 33 wraps of Kush and were handed over to the exhibit clerk.
The matter he said was handed over to him for further investigation.
On the 19th August 2023, he together with DPC 19799 Kamara M A obtained caution statement from the accused.
The said statement which has been in police custody was produced and tendered.
On the 7th September 2023, he said himself together with DPC 19799 Kamara M A obtained charge statements from the accused and charge him with the offense of unlawful possession of dried leaves (Kush).
Charge Statement of the accused was produced and tendered marked as exhibits D1-2 respectively.
The accused was unrepresented, and pleaded for mercy from the magistrate.
Magistrate Ngegba refused bail and remanded the accused in prison whiles the matter was adjourned to the 18th October 2023.
