Pademba Road Court Hears Cocaine Possession Case
By Mamajah Jalloh
An Italian national, Newton Johnson, reappeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, to respond to charges related to the possession of cocaine at Freetown International Airport, Lungi.
Johnson faces two counts under the National Drug Control Act of 2008: collecting prohibited drugs without lawful authority and possessing prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the Act.
The charges stem from an incident on Saturday, November 9, 2024, when airport authorities reportedly discovered two compressed parcels of cocaine in Johnson’s possession. The substances were allegedly uncovered during a routine security check, triggering an immediate investigation.
Sergeant 9589 Prince Joe Kpandiara Jabatti, attached to the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) in Hastings, testified as a key prosecution witness. Jabatti stated that he was on duty on Thursday, October 10, 2024, when the accused, along with a transfer file containing his voluntary caution statements, an arrest report, and the two parcels of suspected cocaine, was handed over for further investigation.
Sergeant Jabatti explained that the parcels were submitted to the exhibit clerk for safekeeping. Subsequently, on November 10, 2024, additional caution statements were obtained from Johnson in collaboration with DPC 13859 Amara S. These statements were later tendered in court as evidence.
Jabatti revealed that a written request for laboratory analysis of the suspected drugs was made on the same day. On November 12, 2024, while in custody, Johnson reportedly fell ill and received medical treatment. Four days later, the laboratory analysis confirmed the white powder in the parcels to be cocaine.
On November 20, 2024, based on the findings of the investigation and lab results, Johnson was formally charged with collecting and possessing prohibited drugs without lawful authority.
Following the testimony, defense counsel S. L. Lewis requested an adjournment to cross-examine Sergeant Jabatti. The defense lawyer emphasized the need to scrutinize the witness’s account in detail to ensure a fair trial.
Magistrate Bangura granted the adjournment request, remanding Johnson in custody until the next hearing, scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024, for cross-examination of the witness
The case highlights the seriousness with which Sierra Leone’s judiciary handles drug-related offenses. Under the National Drug Control Act of 2008, penalties for such offenses are severe, reflecting the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting national security.
The prosecution is expected to present further evidence in subsequent hearings, while the defense will aim to challenge the credibility of the allegations and evidence presented. The case continues to draw significant attention, given its implications for international drug trafficking and airport security protocols in Sierra Leone.
