Auto mechanic jailed 14 years for dealing cocaine

Accra, June 18, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Tribunal on Monday sentenced a 46 year-old auto mechanic to 14 years imprisonment in hard for attempting to export cocaine packed in 85 capsules. Joseph Arthur Aggrey, resident in Spain, pleaded not guilty to attempted exportation of narcotic drugs and possessing 955.45 grammes of cocaine.

However, the court, presided over by Mr. Justice Frank Manu found him guilty and convicted him accordingly.

Mr Asiamah Sampong, Senior State Attorney, said at about 2030 hours on January 3, this year, Aggrey arrived at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to board an Alitalia flight to Spain. While going through departure formalities, officials of Narcotics Control Board on duty suspected him of carrying drugs. Aggrey was therefore picked up and sent to the 37 Military Hospital for an x-ray examination which revealed he had some foreign material in his stomach.

Under the supervision of NACOB officials, Aggrey expelled 85 pellets of whitish substance. During interrogation Aggrey said he bought the cocaine from one Abiola and Patrick, both Nigerians, for a fee of 8,000 Euros in order to be sold in Spain.

The prosecution said when the substance was sent to the Ghana Standards Board for analytical examination, it proved to be cocaine. 18 June 07