'Pre-Shipment Inspection Vital'

THE government has been urged to reinstate pre-shipment inspection of cargos from countries suspected to be dealing in narcotics.

Mr. Nabil Moukarzel, Director, Finatrade Company who made the call said 'this is to ensure that cargos designated for the country do not contain prohibited narcotic substances.

He was speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday to officially announced the release of three employees of the company who were arrested by the police for allegedly importing cocaine into the country.

Mr. Moukarzel was of the view that at the time when the nation was trying to woo foreign investors, it was imperative to be circumspect and cautious in dealing with foreign investors.

He gave the assurance that the company was in the country to do genuine business and not to engage in any illegal ventures.

Mr Moukarzel said it was unfortunate that some criminal elements were trying to turn the country into a gateway for drug trafficking and appealed to the government to 'put in place requisite safeguards to protect legitimate businesses' as a way of attracting more foreign investors in to the country.

Mr. Moukarzel said the company was willing to support and partner any initiative by the government to combat drug trafficking.

Michael Ayache, Managing Director of Market Direct Limited, Mohammed Salami and Isaac Quansah, employees of Freight Links Limited, all members of Finatrade Group of Companies, were arrested on December 20, 2006 and detained on charges of importing cocaine, which was found in a container belonging to the company.

They were however released on January 12, 2007, after been cleared of the charges.