Unlicensed Drug Sellers Sentenced

Dam Sallah and Ensa Badjie, unlicensed drug sellers, were on 2ndDecember 2008 convicted and sentenced to a fine of D500 in default to serve three months imprisonment. The convicts were also given a year's suspended sentence.

The case was presided over by Magistrate Sainabou Wadda-Ceesay of the Kanifing Magistrates' Court.

According to the particulars of the offence, on Count One Dam Sallah on 21stNovember 2008 was found selling drugs without a licence from the Department of State for Health.

On Count Two, the offence states that Ensa Badjie and Alex Gassama at Serekunda Market were found selling several drugs on 21stNovember 2008 without a licence from the Department of State for Health. Ensa Badjie pleaded guilty while Alex Gassama pleaded not guilty.

Both Ensa Badjie and Dam Sallah in their plea of mitigation begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

In her judgement, Magistrate Wadda-Ceesay told the court that the offence with which the convicts were charged had a dangerous effect on society and that the convicts had no knowledge as to how to administer the drugs.

Alex Gassama, who pleaded not guilty, was granted court bail in the sum of D10,000 with a Gambian surety.

The case was adjourned to 23rdNovember 2008.