By Mamajah Jalloh
On Monday, December 9, 2024, businessman Chernor Jalloh appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, where he faced charges for the possession of prohibited drugs. The charge, brought under Section 8(a) of the National Drug Control Act of 2008 (Act No. 10), alleges that Jalloh was found in possession of 236 gross quantities of Tramadol without lawful authority.
According to the particulars of the offense, Jalloh was apprehended on October 30, 2024, at Yokie Lane, off Gassama Street, in the Calaba Town area of Freetown, where the illicit drugs were seized.
Upon the reading and explanation of the charge, Jalloh pleaded guilty to the offense.
Prosecutor Sergeant 8811 Florence M. Wilson confirmed the charge and informed the court that the accused had no prior criminal record. In response, the defense counsel, M.L. Sesay, presented a plea in mitigation on behalf of the accused.
Taking into account the plea in mitigation, Magistrate Bangura sentenced Jalloh to five years in prison but offered an alternative sentence. If Jalloh pays a fine of 3,000 Leones, he will be exempt from serving time, provided he does not commit any similar offense within the next two years.
