Two drug suspects may be freed, but Tagor, Abass must fight on

Highly placed sources at the Attorney-General's Department have hinted Joy News that two of the four suspected drug barons, Kwabena Acheampong and Victor Kissieh, alias Yaw Billa might be set free.

Kwabena Acheampong, Kwabena Amaning alias Tagor and Alhaji Issah Abass were brought before a Fast Track High Court on Monday but only the cases of Tagor and Alhaji Abass were called.

Tagor and Alhaji Abass would remain in police custody as their requests for bail were not granted.

When the charge sheet was read out, there was no mention of Kwabena Acheampong and Victor Kissieh. Kwabena Acheampong was present at the court while Victor Kissieh did not show up.

Kwabena Amaning was charged on four counts- conspiring to import narcotic drugs without licence, engaging in prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs, importing and supplying narcotic drugs.

Alhaji Abass on the other hand was charged on three counts- conspiring to import narcotic drugs without licence, engaging in prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs and supplying narcotic drugs.

Both pleaded not guilty to all charges. Presenting the facts of the case, the Chief State Attorney, Getrude Aikins, told the court that the prosecution would adduce evidence to establish that the accused persons were self-confessed drug barons who had since 2004, established businesses, purchased, supplied, credited and distributed narcotic drugs in and outside the country.

Counsel for Tagor, Nana Asante Bediatuo, requested bail for the two accused persons saying they had been in custody for four months. He said the accused persons had satisfied all requirements for bail and there was no risk of them fleeing especially since the prosecution had been unable to establish a prima facie case against the two accused persons.

But the Chief State Attorney argued that if bail was granted to them the two accused would interfere with prosecution witnesses and impede the case.

The presiding judge Justice Jones Dotse, declined the defence's application for bail. The case was adjourned to December 5 and 6.