Justice Richards issues arrest warrant for sureties in drug case

Justice Moses Richards of the Special Criminal Court of the High Court yesterday, 9 March 2010, issued a court order for the arrest of Mai Dibba, Jarra Tunkara, Zakaria Drammeh, Ceesay Drammeh, and Karamo Drammeh.

The five stood as sureties for one Karamo Drammeh, Fernando Co, Ansumana Fatty, who are standing trial alongside Tijan Ndure, Lamin Karbou alias Lang Ka, Lamin Sima and Babucarr Cham.

They were arraigned on a five-count charge of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretence, obstructing a police officer, possession of prohibited drugs or controlled drugs, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

Justice Richards issued an order for them to be immediately arrested and remanded in custody, pending the next adjournment date. 

This development follows the application filed by principal state counsel SH Bakum to summon the said sureties of the trio who failed to appear in court on several occasions.

According to the particulars of the offence, on count one, the accused persons namely, Tijan Ndure, Karamo Drammeh, Fernando Co, Ansumana Fatty, Lamin Karbou alias Lang Ka, Lamin Sima, Baboucarr Cham on 31 May 2009 at Brikama did conspire to commit an offence.

With intent to defraud the sum 15,000 Euros, they presented a parcel of substances purported to be cocaine to Lamin Hydara, the count further stated.

Count two stated that the accused persons on 31 May 2009 at Brikama with intent to defraud obtained from Lamin Hydara a sum 15,000 Euro by presenting a parcel of substances purported to be cocaine.

Count three alleged that Lamin Karbou (Lang Ka) and Lamin Sima assaulted personnel of the National Intelligence Agency in order to prevent lawful apprehension of drug dealers.

Count four stated that Tijan Ndure on the same date and in the same place committed an offence by possession of controlled drugs, and that 18 grammes of cannabis sativa was found in his premises.

The last count indicated that Ansumana Fatty on the 31 May at Brikama committed an offence when 20 grammes, 500 milligrammes of cocaine were found in his possession.     

The case was adjourned to 23 March 2010.