Newton Johnson, an Italian and Nigerian, has been referred to the High Court in Freetown for further trial by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court no.2 for alledgely being found with two compressed parcels of cocaine without lawful authority to possess such.

Johnson was arraigned before the court on two count charges of collecting and possessing prohibited drugs without lawful authority – – which is contrary to section 7(b) of the National Drugs Control Act of 2008.

The charge sheet indicated that Johnson on Saturday 9 November 2024 at the Freetown International Airport was found in possession of two compressed parcels of cocaine without lawful authority.

Magistrate Bangura said the prosecution called three witnesses to testify before the court including the exhibit clerk who tendered the cocaine before the court as evidence.

He said the testimonies made by the witnesses were corroborated with evidence.

The learned Magistrate said he had looked at the entire evidence and he is satisfied to say that the accused is fit to stand trial at the High Court for further trial.

He therefore asked the accused if he would like to testify at the High Court and whether he would like to call witnesses to testify on his behalf.

The accused Johnny said that he would wait on the instructions of his lawyer.

He was sent to the High Court to stand further trial by the Magistrate and so was never granted bail.