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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: 'Dope cafe' accountant keeps mum
ic South London
Tuesday 18 Nov 2003 AN ACCOUNTANT allegedly asked to be the director of a company linked to an Amsterdam-style drug cafe has refused to name his clients in court. Tope Awobajo said he would not reveal the names because of possible "implications" when he was called to give evidence for the Crown at the "Greenleaf" trial. Errol Anderson, 47, pocketed hundreds of thousands of pounds selling cannabis at the Greenleaf Cafe in Stockwell, it is claimed. Punters would queue up at all hours to buy cannabis from the shop, which also served West Indian food, Inner London Crown Court had heard. When the cafe was raided by cops, more than 2kg of cannabis was found in "deal bags". Anderson registered his business, Greenleaf Investments Limited, with David and Davids accountancy firm based in Camberwell. Mr Awobajo was asked to act as director, simply on paper, to help kick-start the company but his boss, David Lamb, dealt with Anderson, the jury was told. Mr Lamb left the UK after being questioned by police and is now believed to be living in Nigeria. Mr Awobajo, who now runs the company, was ordered to hand over a file and documents relating to Greenleaf Investments held at the accountancy firm. Brian Letts, prosecuting, called Mr Awobajo to give evidence in a bid to prove a link between Anderson and the business. But Mr Awobajo claimed he knew nothing about the alleged connection. He told the jury on Thursday: "I don't want to name names because there could be implications." He added: "I can't remember anyone asking me to be director." Anderson was arrested in April last year. He was released on bail but returned almost immediately to drug dealing, it is claimed. Between April last year and January this year, when Anderson was re-arrested, UKP230,000 cash was credited to the bank account he shared with wife Audriana Witter, the court was told. Anderson and Witter, both of Ribblesdale Road, Streatham, each deny one charge of conspiring to contravene the Drug Trafficking Act 1994. Estate agent Gassell Gordon, 55, of Canonbury Road, Forest Hill, said to have helped the pair hide the proceeds of drug sales through property investment, also denies one charge of conspiring to contravene the Drug Trafficking Act. Witter denied a further eight charges of concealing or transferring the proceeds of drug trafficking. Anderson denied a further 10 charges of concealing or transferring the proceeds of drug trafficking, three charges of possessing a class B drug with intent and one charge of permitting premises to be used for the supply of a class B drug. The trial continues.
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