FREETOWN – A 28-year-old trader, Alie Kamara, has been committed to the High Court by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No.1 on allegations of possessing 80 wraps of kush without lawful authority.
Kamara was arraigned on a single count of unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act, 2008. The charge stems from an incident on June 22, 2024, at Culvert, off Race Course Road in Freetown, where police reportedly discovered the drugs in his possession.
During proceedings, State Prosecutor ABN Taylor Kamara led ASP Joseph Stevens, a forensic analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), as an expert witness.
ASP Stevens testified that his office received a request on June 4, 2024, from Detective Sergeant Mohamed Kandeh of Ross Road Police Station to examine 80 wraps of dry leaves weighing 60.4 grams.
He outlined the scientific testing process, including a presumptive test in the presence of the accused, followed by chemical and microscopic crystal analyses.
The final forensic report, dated July 9, 2024, confirmed the substance as cannabis sativa, locally known as kush. The report was admitted into evidence as Exhibit E1–2.
Although given the opportunity, Kamara declined to cross-examine the witness.
The prosecution submitted that a prima facie case had been established. Agreeing with the submission, Magistrate Jah ruled that the evidence was sufficient for trial and ordered Kamara’s committal to the High Court.
He remains in custody pending further proceedings.
