A Tarkwa Circuit Court has granted bail in the sum of GH¢10,000.00 with two sureties to each of nine persons for allegedly obstructing the Police from executing their lawful duty.

The accused persons, Osumanu Ali, small-scale miner, 34, Afiam Kwaku, small scale miner, 31, Abdullai Barimah, farmer,45, Ernest Amoo-Gyimah, teacher, 45, Frank Kofi Yemoah, 32, security guard, Michael Gyamfi, 26,farmer, Stephen Asare, 38, welder, Josephen Kwam, a 38 farmer and Amos Akaaba, a 19 year-old operator.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge of obstruction and they would re-appear before the court on June 11.

Police Detective Chief Inspector Oscar Amponsah, prosecuting, told the court, presided over by Mr. Justice Obeng Asante, that on May 27, at about 1430 hours, the Tarkwa Police had a tip-off that a group of drug peddlers were operating in a ghetto at Damang in the Prestea Huni/Valley District.

According to Inspector Amponsah, the officers upon receiving the information proceeded to the said area, which was closer to a public latrine.

He said the accused persons on seeing that the police officers were heading towards their direction hurled stones at them to prevent them from locating their wee hideout.

Inspector Amponsah said when the police managed to get to the ghetto the drug peddlers had already escaped but the officers pursued those who hurled stones at them.

He said the accused persons were arrested and after a careful investigation they were charged with the offence.