“I don’t understand Chinese”

The Accra Fast Track Court hearing the case of the missing 77 parcels of cocaine on board MV Benjamin on Monday requested a new interpreter for the two Chinese crew members involved in the case.

The court's attention was drawn to the absence of a Chinese interpreter by the counsel of the two, Mr Solomon Korli, who said he could not communicate effectively with his clients.

"My Lord, communication has become a barrier between me and my clients since they do not understand or speak English language," he said.

Monday's sitting, which lasted only briefly, was to tender the statements of the fifth and sixth accused persons by Detective Inspector Justice Oppong, who is the seventh prosecution witness.

Those on trial are Joseph Kojo Dawson, the owner of the vessel and Director of Dashment Fishing Company Limited, Pak Bok Sil, 46 year-old Korean Engineer; Isaac Arhin, 49-year-old sailor; Philip Kobina Bruce Arhin, 47 year-old-mechanic; Cui Xing Li, 44-year-old Chinese sailor, and Luo Yin Xing, a 49-year-old sailor.

Isaac Arhin, Philip Arhin, Cui and Luo are charged for possessing narcotic drugs without authority and engaging in prohibited business.

Dawson is being held for using his property for narcotic offence and Pak is facing the charge of engaging in prohibited business relating to narcotics.

They have pleaded not guilty and are in Police custody.

Source: GNA