By Mamajah Jalloh
The alleged drug possession case involving 49-year-old businesswoman Yama Kaprr Kamara and 38-year-old farmer Abu Conte commenced on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8.
Both accused appeared in court on a single count of Possession of a Prohibited Drug Without Lawful Authority, contrary to Section 8 (a) of the National Drug Control Act 2008.
According to the charge sheet, on Sunday, 27th April 2025, the accused persons were found in possession of sixteen compressed bales of cannabis sativa at Makondu Village, Lower Yoni Chiefdom in Tonkolili District, Northern Province. The total weight of the seized substance was allegedly 20.9 kilograms.
When the charge was read and explained, no plea was taken.
The second prosecution witness, Detective Police Constable Joseph Stevens, a forensic analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified that on 30th April 2025, he received a laboratory request form from Inspector Alpha Turay for analysis of the seized substance. Stevens said he conducted a presumptive test in the presence of the accused and later conducted chemical and microscopic analyses on samples from each parcel.
He confirmed that the results tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical compound found in cannabis. The analysis report, dated 7th May 2025, was produced and tendered in court as Exhibit L.
The witness was cross-examined by defense counsel, K. Bangura Esq.
Given the seriousness of the offence, Magistrate Samura refused bail and remanded both accused persons to the male and female correctional facilities in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 9th July 2025 for further hearing.
