A 42-year-old businessman has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly using his drinking spot to aid in the sale of cannabis, a narcotic drug.

Emmanuel Donkor has been charged with unlawful control of narcotic drugs and the use of property for narcotic offenses.

He told the police that the alleged cannabis found in a glass jar at his drinking spot was intended for his “personal use.”

The court, presided over by Isaac Addo, did not take Donkor’s plea, as the substance retrieved had been sent to the Police Forensic Science Laboratory for examination.

However, Mr Donkor was granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with two sureties, and the case was adjourned to March 31, 2025.

Prosecution led by Detective Chief Inspector Abel Amanie told the court that the complainants in the matter are police officers stationed at the Drug law Enforcement Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters, Accra.

The prosecution stated that Donkor resides at Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra.

On February 4, 2025, at about 10 am hours, officers involved in an anti-narcotics operation visited the Kwame Nkrumah Circle area, where they proceeded to the “Pascal Drinking Spot” at Neoplan Station, a location believed to be frequented by individuals involved in drug use and trafficking.

According to the prosecution, over 30 individuals, mostly young men and women, were present at the spot and were suspected of being engaged in narcotic activities.

Upon noticing the presence of the police, the group quickly fled the scene.

A subsequent search of the premises revealed a small, oval-shaped piece of a dark, hard substance, believed to be a narcotic drug, which was recovered in a glass jar behind the counter of the drinking spot.

Mr Donkor was arrested and taken to the police station for further investigation.

During investigations, he admitted the offence in his caution statement that the alleged drug was for his personal use.

The prosecution said the drug had been forwarded to the Police Forensic Science Laboratory examination and report.