"I have been smoking 'wee' since 1987" - accused tells court

Juaso (Ash), Dec. 2, GNA - A 48-year old man on Wednesday boldly told the Juaso Circuit Court that he has been smoking Indian hemp since 1987 and that it was good for his health.

Kwaku Mensah, 48, who is standing trial for possessing narcotic drug, further told the court that the substance was prescribed to him by his doctor.

He, however, could neither tell the court the kind of ailment for which the substance was prescribed nor produce documentary proof to support his claim.

Mr S.K. Sarpong Appiah, the presiding judge remanded him into prison custody to re-appear on January 5, 2009.

Police Chief Inspector Joseph Obeng, prosecuting, told the court that the complainants were Police Officers from Konongo, while the accused operated a drinking bar at Nyabo near Konongo.

He said the complainants acted upon a tip-off on November 24, this year, where they visited the Kwaku's bar and found two wrappers of dry leaves suspected to Indian hemp.

A further search in his room also led to the discovery of two black polythene bags containing large quantities of the leaves. The prosecution said samples of the exhibit had been sent to the Police forensic laboratory for testing.