By Mamajah Jalloh | The Watch
Freetown, July 22, 2025 — Abraham Ledford was on Tuesday arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1, on a charge of unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008.
According to the particulars of the offence, the accused was allegedly found in possession of a loose quantity of the synthetic drug commonly known as “Kush” on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Quaker Lane, Cline Town, Freetown. Ledford had no lawful authority to be in possession of the substance, according to police allegations.
When the charge was read and explained in court, no plea was taken.
Prosecution witness Joseph Steven, a forensic analyst with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit at Hill Station, testified that on October 10, 2024, his department received a request from ASP Mohamed A. Kandeh of Ross Road Police Station to analyze several substances suspected to be illegal drugs.
Steven testified that his analysis confirmed that:
Sample A (30.5 grams of a greenish substance) tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as Kush.
Sample B (five pink-colored tablets weighing 45 grams) tested positive for Tramadol, with additional traces of Exibuy and Lavovenioi—all of which lacked identifiable manufacturer details.
He said the tests included presumptive analysis, chemical examination, and microscopic crystal testing, all conducted in the presence of the accused. The results were compiled into a forensic report dated October 21, 2024, which was tendered and marked as Exhibit J1–4.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Mohamed Yassin Conteh questioned the chain of custody of the forensic report, to which Steven admitted that the final report was not personally handed to him.
Given the seriousness of the offence, Magistrate Jah refused bail and remanded the accused at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The matter was adjourned to Thursday, July 24, 2025, for continuation of the trial.
