Cocoa Heist Foiled: Police Nab Four Smugglers in Accra
Four suspects have been arrested and 118 bags of cocoa beans worth 11,800 kilograms seized at the Bunkpurugu-Togo border in the North East Region. The interception happened on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The suspects, identified as Dickson Asante, 35, the driver of the truck; Gideon Tab, 19, his mate; Mohammed Mumin, 22; and Ernestina Akugre, 23, who claimed ownership of the consignment, are currently in police custody.
Suspects' Details Emerge
The police have revealed that the consignment was being transported in a Hyundai Rhino truck with registration number AS-3272-25 and was loaded with plantain and cocoa. The security agencies found that plantain had allegedly been placed in the truck as a decoy to conceal the cocoa beans.
Joint Security Operation Uncovered Concealed Cocoa
A joint security team comprising the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Defence Intelligence, GRA Customs Division, and National Security conducted a search at the Customs Office. This operation uncovered the concealed cocoa, which was part of the 11,800 kilograms intercepted.
The four suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with investigations. The police said the suspects would be put before court to face the full rigours of the law as investigations continue into the attempted movement of the cocoa across the border.
Cocoa Smuggling: A Persistent Issue
Cocoa smuggling has been a persistent issue in Ghana, with the country losing millions of cedis in revenue each year. The Ghana Cocoa Board has been working to strengthen surveillance and enforcement along the borders to prevent such smuggling activities.
The attempted movement of the cocoa across the border is a significant blow to the efforts of the Ghana Cocoa Board and other stakeholders working to prevent smuggling. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among security agencies to prevent such activities.
The four suspects remain in police custody, and their case is ongoing. The outcome of the investigation and the court proceedings will be closely watched by the public and stakeholders in the cocoa industry.
Source: Joy Online
