The National Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force, in collaboration with the Nketepa Community Watchdog Committee, has intercepted two trucks carrying 400 bags of cocoa beans allegedly bound for Togo.
Acting on intelligence, the Watchdog Committee had been monitoring the smuggling operation for a week before successfully apprehending the trucks at 1 a.m. on Friday.
Police arrested four suspects while the drivers initially fled but were later caught.
Bosu Yaw, Assembly Member for Nketepa, highlighted the community’s growing role as a smuggling exit point to Togo and commended the vigilance of the Watchdog Committee.
“Our community is pivotal in stopping these illegal activities, but we need logistical support to sustain our efforts,” Yaw stated.
The incident also stressed the challenges posed by smugglers and armed robbers in the area, as noted by Anthony Ablor, the Watchdog Committee leader.
The Ghana COCOBOD has reaffirmed its dedication to curbing cocoa smuggling, emphasizing the role of community efforts and incentives for credible intelligence.
“This successful operation demonstrates what vigilance and collaboration can achieve,” a COCOBOD spokesperson remarked, as the investigation into the smuggling network continues.
