Cocoa Beans Bound for Togo and Burkina Faso Seized in Police Raid; Trio Arrested
Authorities foil smuggling attempt, with three suspects in custody and two still at large
- Three suspects, including a driver and two mates, arrested for cocoa bean smuggling
- Over 1,400 bags of cocoa beans concealed under lumber were intercepted
- COCOBOD urges public support in tackling cocoa smuggling and offers rewards for tips
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the smuggling of cocoa beans to neighboring countries like Togo and Burkina Faso, confirmed the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The suspects include one driver and two driver-mates of three heavy-duty trucks carrying a total of 1,473 bags of cocoa beans concealed under lumber.
The suspects have been granted bail and are cooperating with the ongoing police investigations. However, two additional drivers involved in the smuggling operation remain at large.
The operation was conducted by COCOBOD’s Anti-Smuggling Task Force, which consists of the police, the National Investigations Bureau, National Security, and COCOBOD itself.
The trucks, identified by registration numbers GR 7237-21, GR 314-24, and AS 5278-23, were intercepted at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District and are currently secured at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters in Sunyani.
COCOBOD has also taken custody of the cocoa beans, as no one has come forward to claim them.
COCOBOD’s Michael P.K. Asumanu highlighted the severe economic impact of cocoa smuggling, emphasizing that cocoa is a vital contributor to the national economy. He called for public support in tackling the issue and announced rewards for those who provide valuable information.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ntiako, the Acting Bono Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, revealed that the commission is also evaluating the lumber seized during the operation.
