Court Burns 981,700 Grams Of Indian Hemp

A Tarkwa circuit court has ordered the burning of eight maxi sacks and five mini sacks of Indian hemp weighing 981,700 grams at the court premises in Tarkwa. The destruction was supervised by the court Registrar, the Police and observed by the general public on Monday. Mr Samuel Obeng Diawoo, presiding at the court, gave the order after the substance was tendered in as evidence by the Prosecutor, Police Inspector Florence Tawiah. The judge said the destruction had become necessary since it would be difficult for the court to keep custody of the substance due to lack of storage facility. Inspector Tawiah had earlier told the court that on June 1, 2008, the Tarkwa Police had a tip off that the drugs were being conveyed in a vehicle from Kumasi through Tarkwa. She said as a result the police mounted surveillance at the Bawdie barrier. She said at about 1030 hours that day the vehicle with registration number GT7795 V was found with the substance. Kwame Amawuga, a 32 year old "galamsey" operator claimed ownership and he was arrested. Amawuga pleaded not guilty. He would reappear on September 27 this year.