Juaso (Ash), Feb. 28, GNA - A 28-year-old farmer has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Juaso Circuit courting the Asante-Akim North District for cultivating plants believed to be Indian hemp on his maize farm at Kokodie near Agogo. Alhassan Appeana pleaded guilty.

Prosecuting, Police Sergeant E.K. Atatsu told the court presided over by Mr Jacob Boon that on November 6, 2004, Appeana was arrested by the police for threatening to kill Kwaku Eric and Innusah Appean with a cutlass at Kokodie. He said the police later had a tip-off that the accused had cultivated Indian hemp on his maize farm.

Sergeant Atatsu said a team of police personnel escorted Appeana to his farm where a quantity of plants believed to be Indian hemp was found and uprooted, of which he claimed ownership. The leaves were sent to the police forensic laboratory where it was found to be Indian hemp, weighing 2,500 grammes. The court ordered that the leaves be burnt.