By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1 in Freetown has remanded a driver, Abubakar Turay for unlawful possession of 351 wraps of Kush.
Abubakar Turay who was arrested on 10th August 2023 by Detective Police Constable 10454 Sesay appeared before the court No. 1 on a count charge of unlawful possession contrary section 8(a) of the National Drugs Act No. 10 of 2008.
It was alleged by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that the accused, on Sunday 6th August 2023 at Old Railway Compound, Freetown, was found in possession of 351 wraps substance suspected to be Kush.
The witness Detective Inspector Alpha Umar Jalloh residing at Rokel in Freetown east was Led in evidence by Chief Inspector Isatu Bangura as a formal witness.
Inspector Jalloh is attached to Regional Ross Road Police Station, Harbour Division in the Operations Department wings.
He highlighted his duties and responsibilities including day and night patrols and responded to distress calls.
Mr Jalloh said he recognized the accused and could recall Sunday 6th August 2023.
He said a team of police patrol team was on evening patrol, adding that when the team arrived at Jenneh Wright Road Upgun in Freetown, he saw a makeshift structure using as ghetto.
He said he and the patrol team entered into the said makeshift structure, adding that as soon as they enter the scene, some men ran away and subsequently the accused was arrested with 351 wraps of substance suspected to be Kush.
He said the accused person was taken to the Ross Road Police Station including a mattress, old freezer as exhibits.
He said he handed over the accused person including the exhibits to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questionings.
Inspector Umar Jalloh said he reduced his findings into a report, which was produced and tendered to form part of the court’s records.
The accused was not legally represented, but Magistrate Kekura accorded him an opportunity to cross examine the witness on his behalf.
Responding, he intimated the bench that he had no questions for the witness.
Before the adjourned date, the police prosecutor, Chief Inspector Isatu Bangura applied for a subpoena to be served on the Investigating officer, which was granted.
The accused was refused bail and remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to 5th September, 2023 for further hearing.