Thirty-seven bags of cocoa beans found in a private residence at Walewale in the North East Region, and suspected to be meant for onward transportation to neighbouring countries have been confiscated by the Police.

The arrest follows an intelligence-led operation by the West Mamprusi Police Command.

The bags of cocoa beans are believed to have been transported from southern Ghana to the north ostensibly to be smuggled outside of Ghana as part of a syndicate that smuggles cocoa beans to neighbouring countries.

Acting on the tip-off, the police raided the private residence on Sunday, November 17, 2024, and confiscated the cocoa beans.

Graphic Online understands that a suspect, who was at the private residence initially obstructed the police by denying them access to the room where the cocoa beans were being stored. 

The officers, however, forced their way into the premises and successfully confiscated the goods, Graphic Online gathered.

Police sources have told Graphic Online that the suspect has remained uncooperative, refusing to disclose critical details, including how the goods were transported to Walewale and the intended smuggling route.

The seized goods are now in police custody as investigations continue. 

The incident comes on the back of recent reports of smuggling of cocoa beans from Ghana to neigbouring countries.