Members of the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force have arrested two individuals attempting to smuggle 130 bags of cocoa beans from Ghana to neighboring Togo at dawn, on Tuesday.
The suspects, Dennis Hodo, a driver, and his mate, Kwesi Edem, were apprehended at the River Crossing point near Adowso in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region by the Task Force at approximately 04:45hrs. The contrabands, concealed under quarry stones in a fully-loaded tipper-truck with registration number GE 6486-23, were destined for Togo via various routes.
According to Lawyer Charles Amenyaglo, Head of the Anti-Smuggling Task Force, the cocoa beans originated from the Suhum District and were packed in branded plastic sacks. The suspects admitted to being contracted to transport the items to Togo.
The two suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Mpraeso District Police Command and charged with offenses including purchasing cocoa without authority, attempting to smuggle cocoa beans, and attempting to export cocoa beans without inspection, grading, and sealing.
This latest arrest marks another success in the ongoing battle against cocoa smuggling, following recent sentences of two individuals to a total of 14 years in prison for similar offenses.
