Tema, April 23, GNA- The Tema circuit court "B" on Friday acquitted and discharged 34 persons who were charged with illegally dealing in petroleum products for lack of evidence.

Mr Stephen Teye, the presiding judge explained that there was no evidence against the accused persons.

They all pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution had stated that in May 2003, the Tema police received information that some people were dealing in illegal petroleum products in some parts of Tema and Ashaiman.

A military cum police team was dispatched to the place and arrested 47 persons in their garages in parts of Ashaiman and Tema. The number was screened to 34 and charged with the offence.