Italian National Implicated in Cocaine Saga

By Fatima Sesay

Newton Johnson, an Italian and Nigerian national, was on Monday, 14th April 2025, committed to the High Court in Freetown for further trial by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on an allegation of unlawful possession of cocaine. He is accused of being found in possession of two compressed parcels of cocaine without lawful authority. Johnson was arraigned on two counts: collecting a prohibited drug and possessing a prohibited drug without lawful authority, contrary to Section 7(b) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008. According to the charge sheet, on Saturday, 9th November 2024, at the Freetown International Airport, Johnson was allegedly found with the two parcels of cocaine in his possession. Before committing the case, Magistrate Bangura noted that the prosecution had presented three witnesses, including the exhibit clerk who tendered the cocaine in court. He stated that all witness testimonies were consistent and corroborated the prosecution’s case. Having reviewed the evidence, Magistrate Bangura ruled that the accused is fit to stand trial at the High Court. He then asked the accused whether he wished to testify or call witnesses in his defense. In response, Johnson said he would await instructions from his lawyer. He was remanded in custody and committed to the High Court without bail.