Madina, Accra, May 23, GNA - Nineteen suspected narcotic peddlers who were arrested by personnel from the Madina District Police Command last Saturday were remanded in custody on Monday by the Madina Magistrate Court Grade 'One' to reappear on June 29, 2006. The court, presided over by Mrs Beatrice Darko, however, granted bail to nine prostitutes who were also rounded up the same day, to reappear on June 26, 2006.

The suspected narcotic peddlers and the prostitutes were arrested during a police dawn swoop.

During the exercise police seized quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp from the narcotic peddlers. The prostitutes were said to be soliciting for men at some drinking bars in Madina. In another development, the court placed in custody Charles Whang, 45, who was suspected to have murdered his wife in the family's residence at Ashalley Botwe. He will reappear on the June 29.