Tribunal remands Burkinabe for possessing cocaine

Accra, Sept. 25, GNA - An Accra Regional Tribunal on Monday remanded in prison custody a Burkinabe resident in Italy, who was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) for possessing substance suspected to be cocaine.

Guebre Karim is charged with two counts of attempted exportation of narcotic drug without licence and possession of a narcotic drug without lawful authority.

The Tribunal chaired by Mr Justice Frank Manu did not take the plea of the accused. He will reappear on September 28.

Mr Alex A. Annan, the Prosecutor, said at about 0145 hours on September 9, 2006, Karim arrived at the airport to board an Alitalia flight to Italy.

He said while the accused was going through pre-boarding formalities, personnel from the Aviation Security on duty suspected his movements.

When his travelling bag was searched 109 pellets of whitish substance suspected to be cocaine were found.

Mr Annan said during interrogation Karim claimed ownership of the substance and said it was given to him by one David to be delivered to one Kwame in Italy for a fee of 5,000 Euros.

The Prosecutor said Karim failed to assist the Police to trace the said David.