The High Court of Sierra Leone has conducted an on sight visit at the Freetown international airport at Lungi on Wednesday 25th February. The visit was led by Justice Brown Mark the presiding judge in the ongoing cocaine trial. Other members of the delegation included prosecution and defense counsels, all the 17 accused persons, senior members of the Sierra Leone police and journalists.
When the delegation arrived at Lungi Air Port the Director of Public Prosecution, Oladipo Robin Mason led the court to a small air craft that was barricaded by security officers and vehicles. The air craft with the numbers YV1647 boldly written on it was inspected.
Mr. Baimba Bockarie Mangoh a mechanic at the air port explained to the court that he off loaded the items in the air craft after it was apprehended by the police. Mr. John Brima General Manager of the air port also told the court that the air craft came with Red Cross symbols on both sides of the tail of the plane and the numbers YV1647 was covered with a paper that was carrying a white cross symbol.
After the inspection of the plane the judge then ordered the court to visit offices that were occupied by the accused persons when the plane arrived at the air port. Mr. Sheku Kamara and Mr. Alieu Nyelenkeh all testified to the court from their offices.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Crime Services Mr. Francis Munu (PW32) tendered in court a seven page forensic test report of samples of cocaine substance that was taken to England for examination before the court left for Lungi. Mr Munu submitted the document on behalf of Mr. David Walker a forensic scientist that was attached to the Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA).Mr. Munu told the court that Mr. walker was unable to tender the report in person since he was held up by other pressing duties at home (England).
The report was sent to him via E-Mail and fax so that he could tender it on behalf of David Walker.
The document was handed over to the presiding judge for his perusal.
By William Freeman
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