Police arrest two with suspected contraband at Jema in Bono East Region

The Bono East Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, in collaboration with the Police Intelligence Directorate Headquarters in Accra, has intercepted a Kia Rhino vehicle transporting suspected contraband at Jema.

According to a press release signed by the Bono East Regional Commander, DCOP Shaibu A. Sadique-Osei, and dated 2nd September, 2026, the operation took place on 1st September, 2026.

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.

Police said the arrest followed actionable intelligence that the vehicle was being used to transport contraband. Preliminary investigations reveal that the consignment was given to the driver by a mentioned person at Bentri near Nalerigu, for onward delivery to a customer in Kumasi.

A search conducted on the vehicle, which was loaded with maize, led to the recovery of:

a) 321 boxes of foreign cigarettes – comprising 40 boxes of Royals, 175 boxes of Oris, and 106 boxes of Gold Seal.

b) 23 bags of soya beans, 39 bags of groundnut husks and 21 bags of millet.

c) 100 containers of suspected sodium cyanide.

The driver and his mate are currently in custody assisting Police investigations.

The operation was supported by officers from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOB), the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (CEPS), and Defence Intelligence (DI).

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have taken samples of the suspected sodium cyanide for laboratory analysis, especially as the substance was being transported together with food items, posing serious public health risks.

The Police said the vehicle and all exhibits have been secured as investigations continue to identify and apprehend all persons connected to the consignment.

The Command commended all the agencies involved and assured the public of its commitment to fighting crime and ensuring public safety.