By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 has committed Bella Musa Turay to the High Court after ruling that the State had established a prima facie case against him for the unlawful possession of prohibited drugs. The accused has been remanded in custody pending trial.
Testifying in court, Joseph Steven, a forensic analyst with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), stated that his role involves analyzing drugs and other substances submitted for forensic testing.
He informed the court that Detective Superintendent Mohamed Kandeh of the Ross Road Police Station submitted a laboratory request form along with 50 wraps of a substance suspected to be kush, weighing 35.5 kilograms, which was allegedly seized from the accused.
Steven said he conducted a presumptive analysis in the presence of the accused and selected 20 wraps for further laboratory testing. Following microscopic and chemical examination, he confirmed that the substance was cannabis sativa.
The analyst compiled his findings into a report dated 28th June 2024, which was tendered in court as Exhibit F1–3.
The accused declined to cross-examine the witness when given the opportunity.
According to the charge sheet, Bella Musa Turay is charged with unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008 (Act No. 10 of 2008).
Police allege that on 18th June 2024, at Argula Street, Fourah Bay, Freetown, the accused was found in possession of 50 wraps of kush weighing 35.5 kilograms without lawful authority.
After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Jah ruled that a prima facie case had been established and committed the matter to the High Court for trial. The accused was ordered to remain in custody until the commencement of proceedings.