The Central Regional Police Command has intercepted a Toyota Coaster bus carrying 30 bags of cocoa beans suspected to be linked to a smuggling syndicate.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kofi Adu, the Regional Commander, confirmed the development to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday, July 25.
He said the incident occurred on Monday, July 21, at about 4:20 p.m. when officers at the Brimso Police checkpoint stopped a bus with registration number GR 8247-20 and discovered the cocoa beans hidden inside.
The driver, 42-year-old Bernard Owusu Agyemang, was unable to provide documentation for the cargo. He told police he had been directed by an individual named Martin to deliver the beans to an unnamed woman in Mankessim, providing only her phone number.
DCOP Adu said investigations are ongoing to track down the individuals behind the suspected smuggling operation.
“We will work to identify and apprehend the syndicate responsible so they face the full rigours of the law,” he said, adding that such action would serve as a deterrent to others.
He encouraged the public to volunteer credible information that could help clamp down on illegal cocoa trade, assuring that the identities of informants would be protected.
Meanwhile, the cocoa beans have been handed over to the Cape Coast office of COCOBOD for quality assessment and further action. They were received by Mr. Maxwell Ntiamoah, Principal Quality Control Officer.
Source: GNA
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