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Cocaine vesselowner
denies knowledge of transaction
Accra, Nov. 6, Ghanadot/GNA - Joseph
Kwabena Dawson, owner of the MV Benjamin, which was used to
ship 77 parcels of cocaine into the country, denied
knowledge of ever knowing that his vessel was going to be
used to cart cocaine.
He was further answering questions under cross-examination
at the fast Track High Court in Accra when prosecution
suggested to him that he knew very well what the purpose of
the vessel was intended to transport cocaine.
Dawson, also the Managing Director of Dashment Company
Limited told the court that Sheriff Asem Dakey a.k.a Limping
Man takes the full responsibility of the vessel, including
the supply of water, electricity, fuel as well as crew.
Dawson could not answer questions posed by Mrs. Stella Badu,
Senior State Attorney about the chartered agreement form, an
exhibit he (Dawson) presented to court.
"Why you are finding difficulties in answering from the
documents you presented to the court"?
"I suggest to you that you hurriedly prepared these
documents when the vessel was arrested"
But Dawson answered in the negative.
However, his counsel, Mr. D.K Ameley objected to it and said
"My Lord, this is harassment'.
Dawson is standing trial with four crew members for the
various roles they played in importing the 77 parcels of
cocaine on board MV Benjamin.
They are: Isaac Arhin, a 49 year-old sailor, Philip Kobina
Bruce Arhin, a 47 year-old mechanic, Cui Xing Li, a 44
year-old Chinese sailor and Luo Yin Xing, a 49 year-old
sailor are also on trial.
Isaac Arhin, Philip Arhin, Cui and Luo are charged for
possessing narcotic drugs without authority and engaging in
prohibited business.
Park and Dawson are facing the charge of engaging in
prohibited business relating to narcotics.
They have pleaded not guilty and are in Police custody.
Dawson explained that he met Sheriff personally on the day
of the signing of the chartered agreement and later at Rozo
spot, a drinking spot at Tema Community three, adding, "that
was where I met Sheriff".
But prosecution insisted, "you knew that the vessel was
leaving the port and going to carry cocaine, and to receive
your share payment after it had been sold".
But Dawson, debunked it saying, "No my Lord'.
The case was adjourned to November 15.
GNA
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