The Police Service has arrested three suspects for allegedly smuggling cocoa beans to neighboring countries, Togo or Burkina Faso. The suspects include a driver and two assistants who were found transporting 1,473 maxi bags of cocoa beans hidden under lumber.The suspects have been granted bail and are assisting the police with investigations. Two additional drivers involved in the operation remain at large.

0

The COCOBOD Anti-Smuggling Task Force intercepted the trucks—bearing registration numbers GR 7237-21, GR 314-24, and AS 5278-23—at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District of the Bono Region.In a media briefing in Sunyani, Mr. Michael P.K.

1

Asumanu, Regional Administrator for the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions of COCOBOD, explained that the task force is made up of personnel from the Police Service, the National Investigative Bureau, National Security, and COCOBOD itself.The seized trucks are now secured at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters, while COCOBOD has taken possession of the cocoa beans, as no individual has come forward to claim ownership.Mr.

2

Asumanu emphasized that smuggling causes significant economic loss to the nation, as cocoa is a major contributor to the economy. He urged the public to support efforts to combat the smuggling of cocoa beans, stating, “We have designed rewards for informants.”In addition, Mr.

3

Emmanuel Ntiako, Acting Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission for the Bono Region, informed the media that the commission was also evaluating the lumber involved in the operation.

4