Accra Police Cells Are Full

Detective Inspector Charles Adaba, Investigator in the trial of Joseph Kojo Dawson,owner of the MV Benjamin Vessel, the ship which transported 77 parcels of cocaine into Ghana, and five others for their roles in the missing cocaine at Tema, yesterday told an Accra Fast Track Court that Police cells in Accra are full.

This disclosure was made by the detective after prosecution led by William Kpobi, a Senior State Attorney, had pleaded with the court to send the accused persons into Prison custody instead of Police custody. The Detective informed the court that there was a decongestion exercise.

"My lord, at the moment we have to beg the Police Officers on duty at the cells before we can put someone there,” he explained.

The Judge however said that Police Officers are public servants and therefore should do their best to help the State. Joseph Kojo Dawson is being tried with Pak Bok Sil, a Korean engineer, Isaac Arhin, Phillip Bruce Arhin, a mechanic, and two Chinese, Cui Xian Li, a vessel engineer and Luo Yui Xing for their roles in the missing cocaine at the Tema Port.

Dawson has pleaded not guilty to using his property for narcotic offences while Bok Sil pleaded not guilty to one count of engaging in prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs.

Isaac Arhin, Bruce Arhin, Li and Xing have all pleaded not guilty to two counts of engaging in a prohibited business relating to narcotic drugs and possessing narcotic drugs without lawful authority.

The Judge entreated prosecution to bring more witnesses. “If you need subpoena I will willingly give it to you, because you need to bring more witnesses”, he added. The has been adjourned till February 16, 2006.