A man in crutches was yesterday convicted and sentenced to a fine of D1 million, in default to serve ten years in prison, for being in possession of a prohibited drug and dealing in a prohibited drug.
Sheikh Tijan Sowe who admitted to the offences charged was further fined D250,000 in default to serve five years in prison.
He was arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, charged with being in possession of 86 grams, 250 mg of cannabis resin called hashish and 40 stones of cannabis resin.
The facts of the case as narrated before the court by the NDEA prosecutor said it happened on 15 May 2012, when the accused person was met at Nice to be Nice Bar and Restaurant in Brikama by NDEA officers, following a tip-off.
A search was conducted on his crutches and 20 stones of hashish were found in each stick, making 40 stones.
He was arrested and taken to Brikama Police Station and was later escorted for weighing and a certificate was issued, which the accused thumb-printed.
Samples were taken to the medical and health lab for analyses, where it was confirmed to be cannabis hashish.
According to the charge sheet on count one, on 15 May 2012 at Nice to be Nice Bar and Restaurant in Brikama, in the West Coast Region, Sheikh Tijan Sowe had in his possession 86 grams, 250mg of hashish.
Count two read that on the same date and place, he was found in possession of 40 stones of cannabis resin, concealed in his crutches for the purpose of supplying by retail or wholesale, transport and or transfer.
