Kade (E/R), Sept. 13 GNA - Sarfo Jonathan, an 18-year-old student, on Monday appeared before the Kade District Magistrate's Court in the Eastern Region, charged with the possession of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

His plea was not taken and was remanded in prison custody till September 20.

The accused was arrested on August 22 by the Kade Neighbourhood Watch Committee at about 0245 hours and when he was searched, a wrapped dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp was found in his pocket and was therefore handed over to the Police.

Police Inspector Francis Cobbina, prosecuting, told the court, presided over by Mr Abdul Majid Illiasu, that the accused who claimed to be attending a Senior High School at Kasoa in the Central Region was seen at the Kade market on August 22 by the Watch Committee members on patrol duty.

The committee had earlier received reports that women and children in the market area were being molested by a number of young men believed to be Indian hemp smokers.

He said during the operation members of the committee spotted Jonathan among seven people in front of a market stall.

The prosecutor said when his colleagues spotted the members approaching, they took to their heels but luck eluded Jonathan who was arrested.

The exhibit has been forwarded to the Police Forensic Crime laboratory for examination, the prosecutor said.