Court remands two for possession of narcotics

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Kwame Frimpong, Labourer and Etse Dikenu, unemployed in police custody for possession of narcotic drug.

Kwame, accused of possessing 153 wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, pleaded guilty with explanation, and indicated to the court that he went to the area to buy only two wraps.

He said usually as a construction worker, he used the “wee” as an “energy” booster to enable him to work effective.

He, therefore, denied the possession, saying when the police came to the area, the real owners took to their heels.

After putting on these defence, the court presided over by Aboagye Tandoh, entered not guilty for the accused person.

Etse’s, plea was not taken because, he told the court, he could only speak the French Language, and in this case the Judge, who could speak the Language decided to engage the accused, only to find out that, he could speak the Ewe Language.

The conduct of Etse in the court room made the judge to order the accused person to be sent to the Psychiatric hospital for his frame of mind to be checked.

Prosecuting Inspector Augustine Yeboah told the Court that on September 30 at about 1600 hours, the Tesano Divisional Command, led by the Commander, embarked on an anti-narcotic operation around Taifa and its environs.

He said in the course of the operation, Kwame was arrested with 153 wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp concealed in a ploythene bag.

The prosecution said Etse was also arrested with a small bag containing quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

He said Kwame during interrogation stated that, he had gone to the area to buy two wraps for his personal use and claimed that, the quantity retrieved by the police belongs to a Nigerian, who escaped on noticing the police.

“On the part of Etse, his statement could not be taken for the reason that his behavior and mannerism creates suspicion that he is mentally retarded,” he added.

The case has been adjourned to October 21.