MV Benjamin cocaine saga: Limping man sentenced to 22 years imprisonment

An Accra Fast Track High Court on Thursday jailed Christian Sheriff Asem Darkey, the kingpin behind the importation of 76 parcels of cocaine on board the MV Benjamin in 2006, for 22 years.

Asem Darkey, aka Limping Man, was found guilty on charges of conspiracy to import narcotic drugs, importation of narcotic drugs without lawful authority, possession of narcotic drugs and corruption of a public officer.

He was discharged on charges of undertaking prohibited business.

The court said it took into consideration the number of years that the convict hard already spent in jail.

On March 12 the court fixed April 4 to deliver its verdict but when the case was called the trial judge, Mr Justice Mustapha Habib Logoh, said he received Darkey’s counsel’s submission late.

The court therefore adjourned to April 10.

Darkey was arrested on February 2, 2012, having been in hiding since 2006.

The prosecution’s case was that on April 26, 2006, a vessel, MV Benjamin, reportedly carrying about 76 parcels of cocaine docked at Kpone/Tema and discharged the drugs to a waiting vehicle.

The disappearance of the cocaine led to the constitution of the Georgina Wood Committee and the subsequent conviction of persons connected with importation of the drug.