Two suspects, Ernestina Akugre and Mohammed Mumin, have been arrested for concealing 118 bags of cocoa beans in a truck carrying plantains along the Bunkpurugu border road. The operation was carried out by a multi-agency security team led by the Bunkpurugu Immigration Command at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Operation Yields 118 Bags of Concealed Cocoa
The security team, comprising personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Defence Intelligence, the National Security/Signal Bureau, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), intercepted a Hyundai truck with registration number AS-3272-25. The truck appeared to be transporting plantains, but officers conducted a thorough search at the Customs office and discovered the concealed cocoa.
The operation was led by Immigration Commander for the Bunkpurugu-Nakpaduri District, ACI Edwin Adejetey Doku. The intercepted cocoa, estimated to weigh about 11,800 kilogrammes, has been taken into the custody of the Customs Division of the GRA.
Intelligence Led to Successful Operation
Intelligence from the North East Regional National Security Coordinator, Ernest Bawanin Guat, played a key role in the operation. Accra-based TV3 reported that the operation was carried out following the coordinator's tip-off. The exact details of the intelligence are not available, but it is clear that it led to the successful interception of the concealed cocoa.
The interception of the cocoa is a significant development in the fight against smuggling in the country. Ghana has been working to improve its border security and prevent the smuggling of goods, including cocoa, into the country.
What's Next for the Suspects
The two suspects, Ernestina Akugre and Mohammed Mumin, are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The police will likely conduct further inquiries to determine the extent of their involvement in the smuggling operation. The outcome of the investigation will determine their fate, with the possibility of prosecution and imprisonment hanging in the balance.
The interception of the cocoa and the arrest of the suspects highlight the importance of effective border security measures in preventing smuggling. It is a reminder that the country's security agencies are working to prevent the smuggling of goods and protect the country's revenue.
Source: Joy Online
