Sallamatu Tawarallyie Anthony John Tye who were arrested on 20 May 2023 by Detective Police Constable (DPC) 18138 Kargbo appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 for unlawful possession cannabis sativa and kush contrary to section 8(a) of the National Drugs Act of 2008.
The accused appeared before court on two counts charges of unlawful possession contrary to Section (8) of the National Drugs Act of 2008.
It was alleged that the accused, on Thursday 11 May 2023 at Carr Street Hastings outskirts of Freetown, were unlawfully found in possession of 70 wraps of cannabis sativa and 24 parcels of kush.
Prosecution witness formal witness Lakor Kargbo residing at No. 47 Black Hall Road Detective Police Constable 13138 Kargbo L. attached CID to the Ross Road Police Station Harbour Division in the he said recognised the accused Sallaymatu Tawarally and the second accused in respect of the matter and could recall 11 May 2023, adding that he was on duty at the aforesaid unit at the Ross Road Police Station, when the Operations Officer, ASP Alusine Kargbo from Hastings arrested and brought in the accused at the said station for the offences unlawful possession and for further investigations.
He said the search warrant and police report written by the arresting officer were handed over to him. The endorsed search warrant was produced and tendered for identification.
The Arresting officer told him that he arrested first accused with 24 parcels suspected to be cannabis sativa and the second accused was arrested with 70 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be kush as exhibits.
He said he handed over the Exhibit Officer at the said station.
On 11 May 2023, he said he and Detective Sergeant 56100 Marrah T. S. obtained a voluntary caution statement from the accused separately, adding at the end of the statements they admitted being true and correct by affixing their right-hand thumbprint witnessed by Detective Sergeant 56100 Marah T.S.
Defence Counsel objected for tendering of the second accused’s voluntary caution statement to form part of the court’s records this is because it was involuntary obtained under duress.
He said the first accused don’t avail him with a legal representation why the said statement being obtained and as matter of fact, he said for these reasons of his client should not be tendered, adding that the prosecution is at liberty to his objection.
He submitted that the matter be tried on ascertain voluntariness of the said statement.
At this juncture Chief Inspector Isatu Bangura sought for adjournment promising to reply to defence’s objection.
The defence counsel also applied that for report of Arresting Officer and search to be made available to him application was granted by Magistrate Kekura.
The accused are on bail and the matter was adjourned to 9 June 2023.
