By: Alimatu Kargbo
Two Portuguese nationals, Sana Seidi and Samba Balde, have made their first appearance before Magistrate Shar Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown. They are facing four counts related to the possession and transportation of a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act of 2008.
State Counsel I.A. Kamara led the prosecution, calling on Detective Police Officer 13716 Joseph Stevens as the first prosecution witness. Stevens, a forensic analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified that on September 30, 2024, Inspector Steven Alpha Turay, also of TOCU, submitted a laboratory request form along with two separate drug samples for analysis.
According to Stevens, each accused person was allegedly found in possession of eight compressed parcels of cocaine, weighing a total of 8.9kg. He conducted a presumptive analysis on the samples in the presence of both accused and performed a chemical microscopic crystal examination. His findings confirmed that both samples tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride.
The forensic reports signed and dated October 4, 2024, were submitted as evidence in court.
The charges against the accused state that on September 29, 2024, at Freetown International Airport in Lungi, Sana Seidi and Samba Balde were each found in possession of eight compressed parcels of cocaine without lawful authority.
No plea was taken, and Magistrate Kekura denied bail, ordering their remand at the Male Correctional Center. The case has been adjourned to April 2, 2025.
