Court to rule on bail applications of six accused in 3.9-tonne cocaine seized in France case

The Kwabenya Circuit Court is set to rule on September 29 on bail applications filed by 6 persons facing charges in connection with the seizure of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France.

The decision date was announced by the presiding judge, His Honour Rev. Prince Osei Owusu, after lawyers for the accused renewed their requests for bail pending trial.

The accused are Francis Narh Amanor, owner of the logistics company that handled the export of the consignment in which the cocaine was allegedly concealed; Frank Adu Boahen, the alleged owner of the goods; Togbe Agbeti; Andrews Tetteh Amponsah; Daniel Laryea; and Helena Akua Dekyi.

The 6 have been charged with conspiracy to export narcotic drugs and unlawful exportation of narcotic drugs. Four of the accused are linked to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division.

At Thursday’s proceedings, the accused persons, represented by separate legal teams, renewed their bail applications after the court previously declined to grant them bail at an earlier arraignment.

Defence lawyers urged the court to reconsider its earlier decision, arguing that their clients had cooperated with investigators and the court and had demonstrated their readiness to stand trial.

The lawyers subsequently asked the court to grant the accused persons bail pending the determination of the case.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail applications on September 29.