Drinking spot operator in court for allegedly possessing narcotic drugs 

A 52-year-old drinking spot operator, who possessed a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs, has appeared before the Accra Circuit Court. 

George Akoto, charged with unlawful possession of narcotic drugs, pleaded not guilty. 

The relieving Judge, Mr Bright Samuel Acquah, granted Akoto GH¢100,000 bail with three sureties, one to be justified with landed property. 

The matter has been adjourned to February 12, 2024. 

The prosecution said the complainants in the case were policemen stationed at the Police Intelligence Directorate. 

The prosecution said accused operated a spot at “June 4,” a suburb of Accra. 

 The court heard that the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in collaboration with the Formed Police Unit (FPU), embarked on an intelligence-led operation at Kantamanto Market and its environs, in Accra, to clamp down on criminal activities within the enclave. 

According to the prosecution, the team arrested about 62 suspects, including the accused, and when a search was conducted at his (Akoto) drinking spot, a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs were found. 

The prosecution said when accused was questioned about the source of the dried leaves, he admitted ownership.

The prosecution said accused told the police that a man at Timber Market, in Accra, supplied him (accused) with the alleged drugs, but he failed to show the police the whereabouts of the supplier. 

Prosecution said efforts were being made to arrest the alleged supplier to assist the police in investigation. – GNA