Ex-nightclub boss acquitted on drugs

FORMER Windhoek nightclub boss Achim Heinrich, who was charged six years ago with being in possession of less than a gram of cocaine, is a free man.

Heinrich appeared in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court on Monday for the umpteenth time since his arrest in 2003 to hear that he was free to go after the State withdrew the case against him because there was no prima facie evidence against him. In 2003, he and two others were arrested at the coast after an alleged tip-off from members of the public. They were released on N$600 bail each. During their second court appearance, the charges against the other two were withdrawn.On his third appearance in 2004 the charge against Heinrich was also withdrawn because of a lack of evidence in the form of a laboratory report.In 2006, the case was reopened and Heinrich once again had to appear in the Swakopmund Magistrate’s Court after several postponements, eventually being acquitted on Monday.’I’m glad to have my name cleared. This has cost me everything; my businesses and my reputation,’ he told The Namibian telephonically.adam@namibian.com.na