Police in the Volta Region have intercepted a fuel tanker transporting cocoa beans in a suspected smuggling operation.
The tanker, bearing registration number GN 3801-13, was stopped last Tuesday, May 13, in the Peki enclave while en route from Madina in Accra to Jasikan.

Upon inspection, officers discovered that the vehicle, which was expected to be carrying petrol, was instead loaded with cocoa beans believed to be destined for illegal export to neighboring Togo.

A police spokesperson, speaking in Ho on Saturday, May 17, confirmed the interception and said it followed a tip-off from an informant.

“The vehicle was disguised as a fuel tanker, but after a thorough search, we discovered it was packed with cocoa beans. We suspect this was part of a broader smuggling operation intended to bypass official export channels.” ” the spokesman said.

The driver of the vehicle, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, was arrested at the scene but has since been granted bail.

He is currently assisting police with ongoing investigations.

"The seized cocoa beans have been handed over to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for further processing and safekeeping," the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the owner of the tanker, who is believed to be a key figure in the smuggling ring.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to clamping down on the illegal export of cocoa, which undermines Ghana's economy and the hard work of local farmers.

“We are intensifying our surveillance along known smuggling routes and urge the public to report suspicious activity,” the police spokesperson said.