In a landmark judgment delivered by the Accra Circuit Court, a 28-year-old salesgirl, Sumaiya Amidu, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the unlawful possession of narcotic drugs. The ruling, handed down by Mr. Isaac Addo, underscores the court's zero-tolerance stance on drug-related offenses in Ghana.
The case against Amidu unfolded following her arrest on March 15, 2022, at Abbosey Okai Sabon Zongo. Acting on intelligence gathered by officers of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, law enforcement officials apprehended Amidu at a cosmetic store in the area. A thorough search of her person revealed 165 gold foil wraps of cocaine, weighing a total of 7.1940 grams, concealed in her underwear.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, who led the prosecution, presented compelling evidence during the trial. According to ASP Frimpong, Amidu admitted in her caution statement that the drugs were found on her but claimed they were handed to her by an individual named Dauda for safekeeping. Despite this claim, she refused to assist authorities in locating the said individual.
Forensic analysis conducted on the substance confirmed it to be cocaine, solidifying the prosecution's case against Amidu. Following a meticulous trial process, she was found guilty of unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and subsequently convicted.
In addition to her prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of GHC120,000 on Amidu. Should she fail to pay the fine, she will serve an additional three years in prison. This dual penalty reflects the severity of the offense and serves as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in similar activities.
The judgment has sparked discussions about the need for heightened vigilance and stricter enforcement of drug laws in Ghana. It also highlights the critical role of intelligence-led policing in combating narcotics-related crimes.
While Amidu's conviction brings closure to this particular case, it also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of involvement in illegal drug activities. The ruling is expected to bolster efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking and possession within the country.
As Ghana continues to grapple with challenges posed by narcotics-related offenses, cases like this underscore the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served. The Accra Circuit Court's decision demonstrates its commitment to maintaining public safety and protecting communities from the harmful impact of illicit drugs.
-GNA
Curated by Tetteh Belinda |GhanaCrimes
