Six people arrested for importing unwholesome rice into the country have been granted bail by a circuit court in Akuse. Presiding judge Asmah Akwesi Asiedu slapped a bail sum of GH¢8,000 each to be justified and ordered the suspects to report regularly to the police. The prosecution according to Joy FM correspondent Benjamin Tetteh described the rice as moldy, and labeled “treated with poison not to be used as food, feed or oil purposes.” But the defense counsel argued their client committed no crime since they have the appropriate documentation from the Custom Exercise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to clear the commodity. They insisted the rice was meant to be used as feed for poultry. The presiding judge adjourned the case but ordered that the rice be kept in police custody. Counsel for one of the accused, Raphael B.K. Aboagye in an interview with Benjamin Tetteh was beaming with confidence that his client will walk out of the courts free. He said he has in his possession documents proving that the rice was legally released to be used as feed for poultry. He challenged the police to prove beyond every shadow of doubt that the rice is being used for a purpose other than what it was approved. Meanwhile, Dr Mohammed Alfar who is in charge of bio-safety at the Food and Drugs Board is fuming over the release of the unwholesome rice. In an interview with Joy News’ Matilda Asante Asiedu, Dr Alfar could not hide his disgust why a rice clearly labeled as poisonous, not be used as food, feed or for oil purposes will be utilized for the same purpose. Even though he agreed with Mr Aboagye, lawyer for one of the accused persons that the rice was bought legally from CEPS, he said the rice flagrantly violated all procedures of "good feeding manufacturing practices." He said if the procedures were followed religiously, they would have known the rice had no “supplier quality assurance.” “I want somebody to convince me that rice that has been clearly labeled as not to be used for feed should be used as feed.” He hinted the FDB will proceed to destroy the rice stored at the Akuse rice milling. Story by Nathan Gadugah/ Myjoyonline.com/Ghana