An old video interview of Ghanaian musician Daasebre Gyamenah detailing his cocaine bust ordeal at Heathrow Airport has resurfaced on various social media pages. The musician spoke to distinguished Ghanaian comedian, actor, director, satirist, talk show host, and author Kwaku Sintim-Misa, widely known as KSM.
The Case
Daasebre was detained on June 29, 2006, at London’s Heathrow Airport after arriving on a British Airways flight from Accra.
The musician was found with two kilograms of cocaine (initially reported as 770g with 100% purity in later court documents) concealed in his suitcase, with an estimated street value of £100,000
Daasebre was charged under the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for “knowingly importing a Class A drug”
The case began at Uxbridge Magistrate’s Court, where Daasebre appeared four times (twice in person, twice via video link) before being remanded to the higher Isleworth Crown Court due to the severity of the charges
Defense Claim:
Daasebre maintained innocence, stating he was unaware of the drugs. He alleged the suitcases were given to him by his promotional manager, Yaw Donaldson (aka Yaw Gyasi), who allegedly framed him.
Daasebre accused Donaldson of setting him up, claiming the latter arranged the luggage without his knowledge.
Evidence included fingerprints on the suitcases not matching Daasebre’s and testimony from collaborators like musician Tic Tac, who vouched for his character might have saved him.
The first trial in late 2006 ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. A retrial was scheduled for March 2007.
No conviction was ultimately recorded. Reports suggest the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence, though explicit acquittal details are unclear
Daasebre spent 11 months in UK prison during the trial process, refusing bail despite favorable conditions
The case derailed his music career temporarily. He later released songs like “Saa Na Etee” and “Twaso” referencing the ordeal
Death:
Daasebre passed away in 2016, with his 2006 arrest remaining a controversial chapter in his legacy
