She further stated that going by the evidence presented before the court, the convict was found in possession of medicines stored in an unauthorised place. “The court, after careful consideration of the facts presented as well as the medicines found at the store of the convict i.e. exhibits of A1, A2 and A3 respectively, found her guilty as charged. In fact, she pleaded guilty both at plea taking and after narration of facts warranting her conviction,” she posited.
The presiding magistrate added that in determining an appropriate sentence, the court had considered both aggravating and mitigating circumstances. The aggravating circumstances, she stated, included the nature of the offence, the potential harm the medicines may pose to public health and safety, and the deliberate disregard of regulatory controls.
“However, giving that the convict is a first-time offender and did not waste the time of the court serves as a mitigating factor. I am convinced by her demeanour that she is already remorseful of her actions. Section 59( 1 ) ( e ) of the Medicines and Related Products Act, 2014, expressly prohibits storing medicines in an unauthorized place and prescribes penalties for contraventions of the same. This court is bound to apply the said provision in determining a just and appropriate sentence,” she declared.
She said that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others from future wrongdoing. “By virtue of Section 260 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2025, the court hereby orders that the fine be liquidated in two installments effective the 18th October, 2025, and on or before the 18th November, 2025. In the event the convict defaults in any of the installments, then the whole sum shall become due and payable forthwith, consequently the convict will be arrested immediately to serve the sentence,” she went on.
The presiding magistrate further declared that the convict shall produce two Gambian sureties who shall depose to an affidavit of means in the sum of D150,000. They shall provide a valid national identity card or passport likewise a Sim verification report for ease of reference, and this goes to the convict as well.
