The Bono East Regional Police have arrested two suspects after intercepting a vehicle allegedly transporting a large quantity of contraband at Jema in the Bono East Region.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by the Bono East Regional Police Intelligence Directorate in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate Headquarters in Accra.
According to the Police, the suspects were arrested following intelligence that a Kia Rhino vehicle was being used to transport illegal goods from the northern part of the country to Kumasi.
The driver, identified as Fusini Danaa, was arrested at about 4:00 p.m. while driving the vehicle with registration number UE 819-26 from Nalerigu to Kumasi.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignment had allegedly been handed over to him at Bentri, near Nalerigu, for delivery to a customer in Kumasi.
Although the vehicle was loaded with maize, a search by the Police uncovered 321 boxes of foreign cigarettes. The cigarettes comprised 40 boxes of Royals, 175 boxes of Oris and 106 boxes of Gold Seal.
The officers also found 23 bags of soya beans, 39 bags of groundnut husks and 21 bags of millet.
Of particular concern was the discovery of 100 containers containing suspected sodium cyanide. The substance was reportedly being transported alongside food items, raising concerns over possible public health risks.
The driver and his mate are currently in Police custody and are assisting with investigations. The operation involved personnel from the Bureau of National Investigations, Narcotics Control Commission, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and Defence Intelligence.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have taken samples of the suspected sodium cyanide for laboratory testing.
The Police have secured the vehicle and all the recovered items as investigations continue to identify and arrest other persons who may be connected to the consignment.
