By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown – Wasin Bello and Emah Bello, a married couple arrested on May 29, 2024, for unlawful possession of narcotic drugs, were denied bail once again and remanded in custody by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No. 1. The case has been adjourned to March 27, 2025.
According to the prosecution, the couple was found in possession of substances suspected to be kush on April 15, 2024, at the back of Kabba Lodge, Juba Hills, Freetown. The seized items included seven wraps of a black solid substance believed to be hash, along with small quantities of cannabis sativa.
Dr. Joseph Steven, a forensic analyst attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), testified that he conducted laboratory analyses on the seized substances. His findings confirmed the presence of:
- 20.9 grams of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa.
- 30.5 grams of dried leaves suspected to be kush.
- 15.9 grams of a black solid substance believed to be hash.
Further chemical and microscopic examinations revealed the substances tested positive for:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
- Synthetic cannabinoids – commonly found in kush.
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) – another psychoactive compound.
The results were presented in court as Exhibits E1-6. Magistrate Kekura emphasized the seriousness of the charges and denied bail, citing the need for further proceedings.