On 23 Monday 23 October 2017, a Nigerian, Gozie Vdokalssac, was alleged to have been found in possession of 38 wrapped parcels of cocaine weighing 20.7 kg at the Sierra Leone International Air Port at Port Loko.
The accused was arraigned before the Court on six charges of Transporting Prohibited Drugs, Importing Prohibited Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Prohibited Drugs to wit cocaine, contrary to Section 7(b) of the National Drugs Act of 2008.
On Thursday 9 November 2017, the accused appeared before Magistrate Albert Moody of the Freetown Magistrate Court No.1. Testifying in Court, Idriss Ibrahim Sesay, a close protection officer attached at the Lungi Air Port said he was on duty with regards to the date in question at the Air Port at around 3:49 am when Air Morocco flight was about to land.
He noted that they moved from the departure hall together with some of his colleague workers to the arrival point. He added that at around 4:00 a.m., incoming passengers started to move into the terminal building. “I heard the Assistant Superintendent of Police order the accused to move to the other direction for his passport to be checked.”
The witness said the accused handed over his passport to the immigration officer. “The accused handed over the passport to me and I discovered that it bears a Brazilian stamp and I had to order the accused to stand aside,” Sesay said.
Sesay said ASP Kojo moved toward the suspect and demanded his passport. He said he informed Sergeant Sorie and Inspector Osman Bangura about the current situation.
He added that he called Sallay of Interpol, noting that there was scuffle among the police office with regards to passport, adding that he called West Minster supervisor Abu Bakarr and informed him about the current situation. The witness said the customs officer, Cornelius, searched the luggage of the accused and discovered a white substance contained 38 pieces of wrapped lump, which he said they discovered at the Police station in Lungi as cocaine.
Magistrate Moody remanded the accused to the Male Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter 16 November 2017. MJB/9/11/1
By Mohamed J. Bah
Friday November 10, 2017.
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