Sima used yam as decoy - NACOB officer

February 2, 2010 (Centre Spread)

AN officer of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) yesterday told the Fast Track High Court that Ibrahim Sima, the Chief Executive of Exopa Modelling Agency, used a tuber of yam and a loaf of bread as decoys to cover up the narcotics drugs in his possession.
According to the narcotics officer, Sima put the loaf of bread and the tuber of yam which did not contain narcotic drugs in his hand luggage to outwit security officials.
Sima, 39, was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport about 11 p.m. on September 7, 2009 after security officials had found three tubers of yam containing cocaine in his baggage while going through departure formalities for a trip to Germany. He is currently on remand in prison custody.
He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of possessing narcotic drugs and attempting to export narcotic drugs without lawful authority.
Answering questions under cross-examination from counsel for Sima, Mr James Agalga, the witness told the court that Sima’s ploy did not work because the tubers of yam were eventually recovered from the accused person’s baggage.
Asked whether or not he (witness) was aware that Sima had undergone checks from officials of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), the witness said he was not aware and further stated that he could not hold brief for the CEPS officials.
Hearing continues on February 11, 2010.
The facts of the case are that Sima was arrested after NACOB officials had found that three out of four tubers of yam in his baggage had been cut open and re-sealed.
The three tubers of yam were found to contain cocaine, a narcotic drug.