Accra, Jan. 19, GNA - Carmella Warren, an American woman, who was extradited from her country to stand trial on drugs charges after escaping from a Police station two years ago, was on Wednesday remanded into Police custody by an Accra Circuit Court. Carmella, whose plea was not taken, has been charged with escaping from lawful custody.

She is expected to reappear on February 2.

The case as presented by Chief Inspector Benette Sarfo was that on March 26, 2002 Carmella was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport when she attempted to smuggle narcotic drugs outside the country. The Prosecution said Carmella was remanded by a court and sent to the Osu Police Station pending further investigations into her case. On the night of April 4, 2002, Carmella complained to Policemen on duty at the Charge Office that she was ill and, therefore, needed some fresh air behind the counter.

The Prosecutor said the Policemen, who did not know of Carmella's hidden agenda, gave Carmella a bench to sit on behind the counter on humanitarian grounds.

Unfortunately the Policemen fell asleep and when they woke up at about 0400 hours on April 5, 2002 Carmella had escaped.