Six denied bail in 3.9-tonne cocaine export case
The case concerns four 40-foot containers that allegedly left the Tema Port and were later intercepted in France with suspected narcotic substances.
The Kwabenya Circuit Court has refused bail to six persons standing trial over the alleged export of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine from Ghana to France.
The accused persons are Francis Narh Amanor, Frank Adu Boahen, Togbe Agbeti, Andrews Tetteh Amponsah, Daniel Laryea and Helena Akua Denkyi.
They are facing charges of conspiracy to export narcotic drugs and unlawful exportation of narcotic drugs.
The case concerns four 40-foot containers that allegedly left the Tema Port and were later intercepted in France with suspected narcotic substances.
In refusing bail, the presiding judge, Prince Osei-Wusu, held that the charges against the accused persons were serious.
He said the court was concerned that the accused persons may not appear to stand trial if released.
The judge also held that the prosecution had provided sufficient grounds for bail to be refused.
Lawyers for the accused persons had urged the court to release them on bail, raising, among other issues, the health conditions of two of the accused persons.
They argued that Francis Narh Amanor, the first accused, required special medical attention because of high blood pressure.
They also told the court that Helena Akua Denkyi, the sixth accused, is a sickle cell patient.
The defence asked the court to allow the two to seek care at a private medical facility instead of the BNI clinic.
The court, however, directed the prosecution to ensure that any accused person who requires medical attention is taken to a health facility when necessary.
The case has been adjourned to October 20 for continuation.
