Officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) stationed at the Gagbiri Inland Checkpoint in the Tempane District have intercepted two drums of cocoa beans being smuggled into Togo.
Acting on intelligence, officers under the Pulimakom Sector Command of the GIS stopped a tricycle transporting the cocoa beans through Wurianaga, an unapproved route. The owner of the goods fled upon sighting the officers.
A statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACP) M. Amoako-Atta, confirmed that investigations are underway to apprehend the owner of the smuggled cocoa beans.
Recent Smuggling Attempts
This marks the second cocoa smuggling interception by the GIS in two weeks.
Last week, officers of the GIS at the Akanu Sector Command, with support from the Ghana Revenue Authority-Customs Division, intercepted a truck loaded with smuggled cocoa beans. Acting on intelligence, they waylaid a truck with registration number AS 2103-W at the Ave-Havi border post. The truck, driven by one Ibrahim Fatawu, contained 1,115 gallons stuffed with cocoa beans, intended for smuggling into Togo.
The intercepted cocoa beans have been handed over to officials of COCOBOD, while the truck remains impounded and the driver is assisting with investigations.
GIS Warns Against Smuggling
The GIS has cautioned individuals involved in cocoa smuggling to desist, warning that such activities harm Ghana’s economy and result in significant revenue losses.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kwame Asuah Takyi, has directed all border commanders to intensify patrols along unapproved smuggling routes and engage community members on the negative impact of smuggling.
ALSO READ: