Suspected 'cocaine baron' remanded

Accra, Aug. 16, GNA - Prince Tibu-Darko, 49, owner of Koreana Hotel, who was picked by the security for allegedly dealing narcotic drugs, was on Wednesday remanded in custody for the second time by an Accra Circuit Court.

Tibu-Darko, who also owns Kamoney Forex Bureau all in Tema, is facing a charge of doing a prohibited business relating to narcotics. The Court did not take his plea and remanded him to reappear on August 23.

His remand followed submission by the Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police George Abavelim, who prayed for time to conduct further investigations into the matter.

According to Mr Abavelim the Police after mounting surveillance needed some time to conclude their investigations. "This matter is a delicate one and the Police need some time to unravel the truth," he said.

Earlier Tibu-Darko's counsel, Mr Gabriel Pwamang said he wondered why the Police were still keeping the accused adding that the action of the Police was based on rumours and suspicion.

According him, the Police were abusing his client's rights by detaining him for a long time.

He said the Police had searched his client's house and offices and found nothing.

The facts of the case are that the Police after receiving intelligence reports, mounted surveillance, which revealed that the accused was doing business relating to narcotics.