Businessman in court over drugs

Accra, Oct. 18, GNA - A businessman, who concealed 9,612 grams of cannabis in his hand bag and attempted to export it to the United Kingdom, appeared before an Accra Fast Track High Court on Monday. Benjamin Koomson, charged with attempted exportation of narcotic drugs and possession of narcotic drugs without authority, pleaded not guilty.

The court presided over by Mr Justice Charles Quist, remanded him into Police custody, to reappear on October 19.

Koomson's counsel, Mr Augustines Obuor, told the court that his client had a justifiable reason for possessing the drugs and at the right time they would prove that to the court.

Mr Asiamah Sampong, a Principal State Attorney, told the court that Koomson arrived at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to board a British Airways flight to London.

While going through departure formalities, operatives of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) suspected that he was carrying drugs, and invited him for questioning.

The Principal Attorney said when Koomson's handbag was searched, 10 parcels of cannabis sativa were found and a field test conducted in the presence of the accused, showed that the drugs weighed 9,612 grams. Mr Sampong said Koomson claimed ownership, saying he bought the drugs behind the Nima Police Station from a man called Old Soldier for a fee of 5,000 dollars.

The Principal State Attorney said Koomson failed to lead the Police to apprehend Old Soldier.

The drugs were forwarded to the Ghana Standards Board for analytical examination and it proved positive for cannabis.