At Lungi Airport… British National Nab With 34 Parcels Of ‘Diamba’
By Fatima Sesay
Salim Alieu Bangura, a British National, who was arrested with thirty four (34) compressed parcels of Cannabis Sativa at Lungi Airport, was on Tuesday 12th August 2025 sent on remand by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No1.
The accused alleged that the dried leaves were Cassava leaves given to him by somebody for transportation to England. These parcels were found in his last luggages whiles trying to board Air Marco flight.
The accused made his first appearance in court and was charged with two counts of possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority and transportation of prohibited drugs without lawful authority contrary to Section 8(a) and 7(b) of the National Drugs Control Act No.10 of 2008.
According to the indictment, it was alleged that on Wednesday 9 July 2025 at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, the accused was found in possession of thirty four (34) compressed parcels of Cannabis Sativa without lawful authority.
Led in evidence by State Counsel Nathaniel Williams, the witness, 13716 Joseph Steven, said he is attached at the Transnational Organise Crime Unit as Cyber Analyst, furthering that his role is to analyze drugs and other chemical substances submitted to him for analysis.
He recalled on Tuesday 8 July 2025, adding that he was on duty when Inspector Alpha Turay submitted to him thirty four (34) compressed parcels suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, weighing 30.1 kilograms.
He maintained that he conducted presumptive analysis on the parcels and collected samples of the exhibit for analysis.
Steven furthered that he conducted chemical analysis and microscopic examination of the exhibits, and at the end of the analysis, it was identified that the samples collected were positive having detectrial canabihoid.
The forensic lab analysis report was tendered before the court to form part of the Prosecution’s case.
The witness was cross-examined by Defense Counsel Micheal Pale.
The accused was remanded in custody until 14 August 2025 for further hearing.
