By Binta A Bah
An anti-drug officer has testified in court that Yusupha Manneh, a suspect accused of being in possession of more than 19 kilos of cannabis, admitted ownership of the cannabis found in a house in Kololi.
Officer Dawda Badjie, who claimed that he was among the patrol team that arrested Manneh, told Principal Magistrate Pa Modou Njie that 17 big bundles and 19 parcels were discovered in store that Manneh led them to. He said the cannabis was discovered after a key was found inside the accused person’s pocket.
“He was arrested, charged and put in a cell at the Kotu police station after he confessed to being the owner of the said cannabis.”
However, during cross-examination, Manneh, who has no legal counsel denied the officer’s testimony that the key that was used to open the store was found in his pocket.
“That allegation is false. The allegation that I led them to the store is also false because I do not live in that house. I told them to ask the landlord where the drugs were found but they refused,” Manneh alleged but the officer responded that “it wouldn’t make any sense since he led us to the store.”
The trial continues on September 22 for the testimony of another witness. Superintendent Camara is the prosecuting officer in the case representing Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG).
Manneh is standing trial on single count of possession of prohibited drugs for the purpose of drug trafficking. Prosecutors said he was found with 19kg 760 of cannabis in January at Kololi. He denied the allegation.
