Agalga rejects calls for parliamentary probe into cocaine seizures
Majority Leader James Agalga says Parliament should not launch an inquiry into recent cocaine-related cases while investigations by state agencies are still underway and some matters remain before the courts.
His remarks come after the Minority sought the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to examine a number of high-profile narcotics seizures, including the interception of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French Customs in Dunkirk earlier this month.
Agalga argued that criminal investigations fall within the mandate of designated state institutions, not Parliament. He maintained that the House risks breaching its own rules if it attempts to investigate issues that are actively being handled by investigators or are subject to court proceedings.
The Majority Leader also suggested the proposed inquiry overlooked the legal limitations placed on Parliament in such circumstances, stressing that any intervention at this stage could interfere with ongoing processes.
The push for a parliamentary probe was halted by Speaker Alban Bagbin, who ruled the motion inadmissible under several provisions of the Standing Orders.
With investigations continuing and some suspects already before the courts, Agalga insists Parliament should allow the relevant agencies to complete their work before considering any further action.
Source: 3News
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