The National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force under the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has effectively intercepted 634 bags of cocoa beans destined for smuggling out of Ghana, within the Eastern Region.

This accomplishment follows a month-long operation fueled by intelligence-driven strategies.

On April 15, authorities seized a truck transporting 504 bags of cocoa beans concealed within poultry feed products.

Subsequently, on May 7, another 130 bags of cocoa beans, hidden beneath gravel in a tipper truck, were confiscated in Mpraeso, Kwahu South Municipality.

The suspects, Kwasi Edem (55) and Dennis Hodo (28), a tipper truck driver, were apprehended during an attempt to cross the Afram River by ferry from Suhum to Kwahu Adawso, as they sought to exit the Volta Region towards Togo.

They are currently in police custody at the Mpraeso Central Police Station, cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Simultaneously, the police have wrapped up inquiries into the initial arrest and are set to arraign the suspect on Wednesday, May 8.

Emmanuel Atta Ofori-Snr, the Municipal Chief Executive for Kwahu South, confirmed to Agoo FM that National Security had identified the Kwahu area as a significant transit point for smugglers since last year.

Consequently, the District Security Council remains on heightened alert to combat such illicit activities.