UE/R: Police deny involvement in cocoa smuggling brouhaha at Bawku checkpoint

The Ghana Police Service has denied allegations of involvement in a cocoa smuggling operation at the Missiga security checkpoint in Bawku, Upper East Region.

The denial follows a misunderstanding on October 9, 2024, between personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Police over the interception of a truck carrying smuggled cocoa beans.

In a statement, the Police clarified that the intercepted truck was seized based on intelligence and that officers were in the process of escorting the vehicle to the Bawku Divisional Police Command.

The smuggled goods were to be handed over to COCOBOD for investigation and prosecution, in line with an established protocol between the Police and COCOBOD.

The Police also highlighted their recent efforts in combating cocoa smuggling in the region, revealing that they had intercepted two other smuggling attempts in recent months.

In both cases, the goods were successfully handed over to COCOBOD, and the suspects are currently facing prosecution.

The Police strongly refuted claims that they were facilitating the smuggling operation, calling the allegations baseless.

Leadership from the Ghana Armed Forces, Customs Division, and the Police have since intervened at the national level to resolve the misunderstanding, promoting harmony and cooperation among the security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by the Regional Minister, is holding discussions with the personnel and their leaders to address the situation and strengthen regional collaboration between the agencies.

Source:classfmonline.com