A coordinated security operation along the Bunkpurugu border road has led to the interception of 118 bags of cocoa beans cleverly concealed beneath a truckload of plantains.
Two suspects are now in police custody as investigations unfold.
The operation, which took place at approximately 5:30 PM GMT on August 9, 2026, was executed by a multi-agency task force comprising the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Defence Intelligence, the National Security/Signal Bureau, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The mission was activated following actionable intelligence from the North East Regional National Security Coordinator, Ernest Bawanin Guat.
Acting on the intelligence, security personnel mounted an operation along the Bunkpurugu border route and flagged down a Hyundai truck with registration number AS-3272-25.
Though the vehicle was carrying plantains on the surface, a meticulous search conducted at the Customs office uncovered a sophisticated concealment tactic; 118 bags of cocoa beans were found hidden beneath the load of plantains.
The operation was spearheaded by ACI Edwin Adejetey Doku, the Immigration Commander for the Bunkpurugu-Nakpaduri District.
The seized cocoa, estimated to weigh a total of 11,800 kilograms, has since been secured and handed over to the Customs Division of the GRA for further action.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the incident: 23-year-old Ernestina Akugre and 19-year-old Mohammed Mumin. Both suspects are currently assisting the police with investigations.
Efforts are underway to determine the intended destination of the smuggled cocoa and to ascertain whether more individuals were involved in the operation.
