Two Arrested with 118 Bags of Cocoa Hidden Under Plantains
Security team intercepts 11,800kg of cocoa beans concealed beneath plantains.
- 118 bags of cocoa seized.
- Two suspects arrested
- 11.8 tonnes intercepted
Two people have been arrested after a multi-agency security team intercepted 118 bags of cocoa beans concealed beneath a load of plantains along the Bunkpurugu border road.
The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Ernestina Akugre and 19-year-old Mohammed Mumin, are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
The operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, following intelligence from the North East Regional National Security Coordinator, Ernest Bawanin Guat.
The task force, led by the Bunkpurugu Immigration Command, included 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).
During the operation, the team intercepted a Hyundai truck with registration number AS-3272-25 along the border road.
Although the vehicle appeared to be carrying plantains, officers conducted a thorough search at the Customs office and discovered 118 bags of cocoa beans hidden beneath the produce.
The operation was led by the Immigration Commander for the Bunkpurugu-Nakpaduri District, ACI Edwin Adejetey Doku.
The intercepted cocoa beans, estimated to weigh approximately 11,800 kilogrammes, have been taken into the custody of the Customs Division of the GRA.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the transportation of the cocoa and the intended destination of the consignment.
