Tension rises as four security agencies clash over smuggled cocoa beans in Bawku

A heated standoff erupted on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Bawku, Upper East Region, as four state security agencies—Military, Police, Immigration, and Customs—clashed over the interception of a truck suspected of smuggling 20 bags of cocoa beans.

The confrontation, which briefly escalated into a power struggle, saw warning shots fired as each agency vie for control of the investigation.

Calm was eventually restored after military personnel intervened.

The incident began when police officers, acting on intelligence, pursued and intercepted a cargo truck with the registration number AS 5551-21, which was travelling from Kumasi towards Togo.

The truck, suspected of transporting smuggled cocoa beans, was stopped by police in the Mandago community near the Gbewaa College of Education.

According to eyewitnesses, the police intended to take the truck to their station in Bawku for further investigation.

However, the situation quickly intensified when officers from other security agencies, including the Military, Immigration, and Customs, arrived at the scene, each asserting jurisdiction over the case.

Immigration and Military officers stationed at the nearby Pulmankom border insisted the truck should be taken to their checkpoint, while Customs officials argued that it fell under their authority for inspection.

The disagreement led to a tense standoff, with officers from each agency standing their ground.

Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with tempers flaring and warning shots fired by some officers.

The core of the argument was centred on which agency had the ultimate authority to handle the suspected smuggling case.

The tension was eventually defused when military personnel stepped in to calm the situation.

After negotiations, the truck was handed over to Customs officials to continue their investigation into the smuggling allegations.

No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised serious concerns about the lack of coordination and collaboration between security agencies in the Bawku area.

Despite the resolution, none of the security agencies involved have issued an official statement regarding the standoff.

Source:classfmonline.com