Police arrested a driver for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cocoa beans to neighbouring Togo.
Abraham Senyaglo, a 35-year-old from Keta, was apprehended while driving a Toyota Hiace Van belonging to the Anlo Traditional Council.
The vehicle was packed with 26 bags of cocoa beans concealed in fertiliser sacks. The police chase began around 2200 hours on the Adomi-Atimpoku stretch when Senyaglo failed to stop at a checkpoint.
A high-speed pursuit ended in his arrest near the Adomi Bridge in the Eastern Region.
Senyaglo claimed he was unaware that the cocoa beans were illegal, stating he was asked by a friend to transport them on his return journey from Suhum to Dzodze after delivering items to the Manhyia Palace for the Asantehene’s 25th Anniversary celebration.
The police dispute his account, alleging he was fully aware of the cargo’s illegal nature. The suspect and the seized goods are in the custody of the Sogakope Police, pending further investigations and prosecution.
The police are tracing the beans’ origin and identifying other individuals involved in the smuggling ring. The Anlo Traditional Council has not issued an official statement on the issue.
The Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce has been working to disrupt the illegal cocoa supply chain, and this bust reflects their dedication.