By Fatima Kpaka
Newton Johnson, an engineer and Nigerian by nationality, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, was remanded by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No2 for being found with two parcels of substance suspected to be Cocaine at the Freetown International Airport.
The accused who made his first appearance was charged with two counts of collecting a prohibited drug without lawful authority contrary to section 7(b) of the National Drug Control Act 2008, act No. 10 of 2008, and Possession of a prohibited drug without lawful authority.
According to the charge sheet, the accused on Saturday November 9, 2024, at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi in the Port Loko Judicial District in the Northern Province collected two (2) compressed parcels of cocaine without lawful authority.
The accused on the same date and place was found in possession of two compressed parcels of cocaine without lawful authority.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken, and no legal representation was made on his behalf.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Dhalia Wellington was prosecuting the matter on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
Magistrate Bangura refused to admit the accused onc bail. The matter was adjourned to December 5, 2024, for further hearing.