The Criminal Division of Accra High Court has sentenced Pascal Okafor Ezugwu, to a 10-year prison term for attempting to smuggle cocaine weighing 1.54 kilogrammes, out of Ghana.
Ezugwu, 32-year-old Nigerian, was arrested after expelling 90 thumb-sized cocaine pellets, at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Accra, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
A statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC) said Ezugwu, who was sentenced on May 3, and also fined GH¢1,200,000, would in default, serve an additional three years in prison.
The Commission said the court also ordered the destruction of the exhibit, which should be supervised by all the interested stakeholders in the presence of the court registrar, state prosecutors and the defence counsel.
The statement said Ezugwu was arrested by officers of NACOC, at the KIA, when he was going through pre-boarding formalities at the departure hall to board a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam, at KIA.
The statement said a urine test conducted on him revealed traces of narcotic substances.
The Commission said Ezugwulater expelled a total of 90 thumb- sized pellets during observation by officers, and a field test of the pellets proved positive for cocaine.
The NACOC said he was subsequently detained and charged with three counts of narcotic offences, relating to unlawful possession, attempted exportation of narcotic drugs and money laundering.
The statement indicated that Ezugwu was taken to the High Court, where he pleaded guilty to all three counts, and was convicted and sentenced on his own plea.
The NACOC re-affirmed its commitment to protecting the public from the trafficking and use of illicit drugs, thereby ensuring public safety.
The Commission emphasised that the possession, usage, and transportation of illegal drugs without lawful authorisationremained prohibited under sections 40 (1) and 41 (1) of Act 1019 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020.
The statement urged the general public to be aware of the consequences and risks associated with offences relating to drug use and transportation.
Latest Stories
-
35th CIMG Awards: Full list of winners
56 mins -
The Multimedia Group wins big at CIMG Awards 2023
2 hours -
Bernard Mornah wins PNC flagbearship race
2 hours -
Video: Confusion at PNC National Executives election
3 hours -
Rapper E.L. joins King Promise as Guinness Accravaganza headliner for September 21 showdown
4 hours -
PNC Congress: Bernard Mornah leads in Greater Accra Region
4 hours -
Reject violence, divisive rhetoric, embrace peace ahead of elections – Bawumia appeals to Ghanaians
4 hours -
SEFF’s debut single ‘Father’ sets stage for bold new talent
5 hours -
Super typhoon Yagi kills four in Vietnam
6 hours -
Hollard Insurance-UENR Mentoring Day: Students urged to let hard work, integrity shine to advance career
6 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Vision FC opens campaign with draw against Berekum Chelsea
6 hours -
If Baba Yara pitch was good, Mumin clears the ball – Laryea Kingston
7 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Samartex begin title defence with draw against Dreams FC
7 hours -
Financing road construction and maintenance through a special fuel levy: A sustainable solution for Ghana’s road infrastructure
7 hours -
Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards 2024 launched to honor positive social influence
7 hours