Manhole traps farmer with narcotic drug.

Nsuta (Ash), April 17, (Osei-Antwi) GNA -- A narcotic drug dealer who wanted to outwit members of Adidwan neighbourhood watch committee when he took to his heels after his arrest with a polythene bag containing dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp was trapped in a manhole. He has been remanded into custody by the Nsuta circuit court.

Mohammed Bashiru who had to raise an alarm before he was rescued by members of the committee and later sent to Mampong police station, pleaded not guilty.

Chief Inspector Mustapha Donkor told the court, presided over by Mr Kofi Akrowiah, that on September 26, 2003, at 7 p.m., four members of the Adidwan neighbourhood committee who were on duty, met Bashiru who arrived from a journey from Ejura.

He said Bashiru, who was holding a black polythene bag stuffed with some items, was challenged by the members of the committee, and when it was inspected, it contained some dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

Chief Inspector Donkor said Bashiru was escorted to the house of Mr Richard Kwasi Appia-Kubi, the assemblyman in the area and reported the case to him and upon interrogation, the accused knelt down to plead for leniency.

Realising that his pleas were not being considered, he took to his heels towards the bush.

While running away, he fell into a manhole, which had been newly dug for a toilet, and had to cry for rescue from the members of the committee who were pursuing him.

Chief Inspector Donkor said after rescuing him from the manhole, he was sent to the Mampong police station with the parcel of dried leaves and after investigations he was charged with the offence. 17 April 04