Labourer granted one billion-cedi bail in drug case

Accra, March 15, GNA - An Accra Regional Tribunal on Wednesday granted a one billion-cedi bail to Prince Baako Addo, a labourer, who swallowed 866.73 grams of a substance suspected to be cocaine. The drug was parcelled into 73 small tablets wrapped in polythene. In addition to the bail condition, Addo who denied the offence would provide one surety to be justified. He would reappear on March 29. Addo is charged with possessing narcotic drug without authority, contrary to Section 2(1) and (2) of the Narcotic Drugs (Control Enforcement and Sanctions) Law, PNDCL 236, 1990.

Presenting the facts of the case Mr Augustines Obuor from the Attorney-General's Department told the court, chaired by Mr Justice Frank Manu, that on August 14, 2005 Narcotic Control Board officials at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra arrested Addo on suspicion of possessing narcotic drug. The Prosecutor said a search was conducted into Addo's luggage, but nothing incriminating was found. He was taken to the 37 Military Hospital, where an X-ray was taken.

Mr Obour said the X-ray revealed a number of foreign elements in the accused person's stomach. He was put under observation and until he expelled 73 tablets of the substance suspected to be cocaine. The Prosecutor said the accused claimed that one Dr Gyamfi gave the drug to him to be delivered to one Olando in Holland for a fee of 3,000 Euros. He, however, failed to direct the Police to the doctor.