A private legal practitioner, Lawyer Yaw Oppong says properties of the former legislator, Eric Amoateng can be confiscated by the state if it is proven that they were used and acquired through his narcotic deals.
The former Nkoranza North constituency Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Amoateng was handed over to NACOB officials upon his return from the United States of America after serving a 10-year jail term for drug trafficking.
He was de-briefed by the Narcotic Control Board NACOB and is now in police custody at the Nima Police Station.
Lawyer Oppong on Eyewitness News expressed shock that Amaoteng was being held by NACOB.
He said: “I was also surprised to hear that Mr. Amoateng who we understand was convicted for a certain term…a person cannot be punished twice for the same offence.”
He explained that in drug related issues, if there is evidence that properties had been used to commit the offence or acquired through drug deals, the properties may be confiscated by the state.
According to him, the United States which convicted Amoateng has the powers to order that all properties [movable or immovable] used or acquired through the drug trade be seized and if possible, transmitted back to the USA.
Lawyer Oppong speculated that it is possible that NACOB “wants him [Eric Amoateng] to assist them to find out whether he any property which was used to aid him to engage in the narcotics trade.”
He pointed out that drug trade like money laundering is an international crime therefore, nations coordinate to fight perpetrators.
“I am a bit surprised otherwise, it could have been because these reasons,” he added.
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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