Court asks for new Chinese interpreter

Accra, April 16, GNA - The Accra Fast Track Court hearing the case of the missing 77 parcels of cocaine on board MV Benjamin on Monday requested a new interpreter for the two Chinese crew members involved in the case.

The court's attention was drawn to the absence of a Chinese interpreter by the counsel of the two, Mr Solomon Korli, who said he could not communicate effectively with his clients. "My Lord, communication has become a barrier between me and my clients since they do not understand or speak English language," he said.

Monday's sitting, which lasted only briefly, was to tender the statements of the fifth and sixth accused persons by Detective Inspector Justice Oppong, who is the seventh prosecution witness.

Those on trial are Joseph Kojo Dawson, the owner of the vessel and Director of Dashment Fishing Company Limited, Pak Bok Sil, 46 year-old Korean Engineer; Isaac Arhin, 49-year-old sailor; Philip Kobina Bruce Arhin, 47 year-old-mechanic; Cui Xing Li, 44-year-old Chinese sailor, and Luo Yin Xing, a 49-year-old sailor.

Isaac Arhin, Philip Arhin, Cui and Luo are charged for possessing narcotic drugs without authority and engaging in prohibited business. Dawson is being held for using his property for narcotic offence and Pak is facing the charge of engaging in prohibited business relating to narcotics.

They have pleaded not guilty and are in Police custody. The charge sheet states that on February 6, 2006 Dawson, who is also a businessman, indirectly without lawful authority and with the intention of facilitating an enterprise relating to narcotic drugs, allowed one Asem Dake a.k.a. Sheriff, to use his vessel (MV Benjamin/MV Adede) to import 77 parcels each containing 30 kilograms of cocaine into the country without license issued by the Minister of Health. Pak is also said to have repaired the MV Benjamin vessel to facilitate the transportation of the 77 parcels of cocaine from Takoradi to Tema.

Isaac, Philip, Cui and Luo, who were on board the MV Benjamin vessel, on April 27, 2006, allegedly had in their possession one parcel each, containing 30 slabs of cocaine, weighing about one kilogram. The case was adjourned to April 26.