Magistrate
Nyima Samateh of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court Saturday convicted and
sentenced one Alkali Sore to a fine of D250,000 in default to serve 3 years in
prison with hard labour for being in possession of prohibited drug.
The particulars of offence stated that the accused, Alkali Sore, on 26 November 2013, in the Kanifing Municipality, was found in possession of 100 grams of cannabis sativa, a prohibited drug and thereby committed an offence.
Delivering her judgement, the presiding magistrate told the court that the accused person was brought before the court and charged with being in possession of prohibited drug, which he denied.
The prosecution called four witnesses and tendered exhibits, she said, adding that it was a fact for the prosecution to prove their case beyond all reasonable doubts.
She highlighted the evidence as adduced before the court and she reached the conclusion that the prosecution had proven their case against the accused person.
She said after the testimony of the prosecution witnesses, the accused person did not cross-examine them and equally the accused did not mention in his testimony that he had a valid licence for the said cannabis.
She further stated that the accused confessed to the police that he owned the said cannabis.
According to her, the testimony of the accused person corroborated the testimony of the third and fourth prosecution witnesses.
