FREETOWN – A British national, Salim Alieu Bangura, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, after being arrested at Lungi International Airport with 34 compressed parcels of cannabis sativa.
According to prosecutors, the parcels, weighing 30.1 kilograms, were discovered in Bangura’s luggage as he attempted to board an Air Maroc flight to England on 9th July 2025. The accused allegedly told authorities the contents were cassava leaves given to him by another person for transport.
Bangura faces two counts under the National Drugs Control Act No. 10 of 2008: possession of prohibited drugs without lawful authority and transportation of prohibited drugs without lawful authority.
Testifying for the prosecution, cyber analyst Joseph Steven of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit said he conducted both presumptive and chemical analysis on the seized parcels. His tests confirmed the substance was cannabis sativa containing detectable cannabinoids. The forensic report was tendered in court as part of the prosecution’s evidence.
The witness was cross-examined by defence counsel Michael Pale. Magistrate Jah ordered the accused to be remanded in custody, adjourning the case to 14th August 2025 for further hearing.
By Feima Sesay
