Ada: The Ada District Police Command Patrol team has successfully intercepted two tipper trucks loaded with 248 maxi bags of cocoa beans, suspected to have been smuggled. This operation took place at Big-Ada, near the Ada Senior High School, and was conducted by the vigilant police team on September 10, 2025, at approximately 17:00 hours.

According to Ghana News Agency, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dede Dzakpasu, who heads the Public Relations Unit of the Tema Police Command, released a statement providing details of the interception. The involved vehicles, double-axle tipper trucks with registration numbers GN 6953-22 and GR 9877-12, were driven by Solomon Tetteh, aged 28, and Nicholas Tetteh, aged 27.

Upon conducting a thorough search of the two vehicles, authorities found 248 bags of cocoa beans cleverly concealed within jute and nylon sacks. This discovery led to the arrest and detention of the owner of the goods, Stephen Okronipa, aged 36, along with the two drivers. Both vehicles have been impounded as part of the investigation.

The intercepted cocoa beans have been handed over to COCOBOD in Tema for safekeeping, ensuring they remain in safe custody. The police have issued a stern warning to the public, particularly those involved in transportation and trade, urging them to refrain from engaging in such illegal activities. They emphasized that any individuals found aiding or abetting such activities will face legal consequences.

Meanwhile, information gathered by the GNA indicates that COCOBOD has been grappling with cocoa bean smuggling for about two years, especially to Togo, driven by price differentials.