Police Intercept 11.8 Tonnes of Smuggled Cocoa Hidden Under Plantain in Bunkpurugu

The North East Regional Police Command has successfully intercepted a massive consignment of cocoa beans weighing 11.8 tonnes at Bunkpurugu, preventing the illegal exportation of one of Ghana's most vital commodities. The 118 bags of cocoa were allegedly being smuggled across the border into neighboring Togo when security forces intervened on August 9, 2026. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by the Ghanaian authorities to protect the national economy and ensure that local agricultural produce is traded through official channels.

The interception was the result of a targeted intelligence-led operation following a tip-off received by the police. Upon searching a truck suspected of carrying unauthorized goods, officers discovered the cocoa bags meticulously concealed beneath a heavy load of plantain. This deceptive method of concealment was designed to bypass security checkpoints and evade detection by border patrols. Four individuals were apprehended at the scene: the driver, Dickson Asante; his mate, Gideon Tab; and two other suspects identified as Mohammed Mumin and Ernestina Akugre.

The four suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue into the wider smuggling network that may be operating within the region. Authorities have emphasized that the individuals will face legal action and the full rigors of the law to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar illicit activities. This seizure underscores the persistent challenges faced by security agencies and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in curbing the diversion of cocoa to neighboring markets where price disparities often incentivize illegal trade.