Accra, July 4, GNA - A businessman who attempted to smuggle cocaine to an inmate at the James Fort Prison on Monday appeared before a Circuit Court in Accra charged with possession of narcotic drug without lawful authority.

Okpegwa Isaac, 36, pleaded not guilty. The Court remanded him into prison custody for further investigations and would reappear on July 18. Deputy Superintendent of Police Kofi Abraham said about a fortnight ago the accused visited Emmanuel Tettey, an inmate at the James Fort Prisons.

When officers on duty at the main entrance conducted a search on him, they found three rubber foils of whitish substance suspected to be cocaine concealed in his pocket. DSP Abraham said the accused was escorted to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Police Service together with the exhibit for investigation.

Okpegwa admitted the offence and stated that he bought the substance at Elubo Border for the treatment of his asthma.