A large consignment of dried cocoa beans for smuggling has been intercepted by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in Dambai, in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region. The three truck consignments concealed as crates of minerals is believed to have journeyed from the Ashanti region, through the Eastern and crossing the Volta River from Afram Plains into Oti, before being intercepted by officials of the NIB. Information gathered by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed that the drivers and their mates were currently behind bars assisting investigations. This development comes amidst concerns about smuggling and other cross-border crimes through and in the Oti Region. Reports indicated a surge in cocoa smuggling activities in parts of the Oti Region, particularly in Guan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta North and Nkwanta South Municipality. It also mentioned that cocoa smugglers were increasingly utilising the northern corridors in the Oti Region to transport illicit cocoa beans to neighbouring Togo. Officia ls from the cocoa industry (names withheld) had expressed concerns over the illicit trade, which was suspected to be facilitated by unscrupulous individuals and networks. They alleged that a surge in cocoa smuggling from Ghana into Togo, where marketing was unregulated were driven by attractive prices offered by the Togolese buyers was promoting the nation-wrecking activity. The Ghana Cocoa Board officials urged the public to report cocoa smuggling activities to security agencies. They encouraged rewards to be given to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators. 'We urged all Ghanaians to join the fight against cocoa smuggling, your information can help protect Ghana's cocoa industry and economy'. The GNA sighted some shocking twists, that the cocoa smugglers had devised a new tactic to evade arrest, using assorted drinks as concealment to commute through many Police barriers with their contraband undetected. Reactions from some residents on the development of the cocoa smuggling incident, said it undermined Ghana's economy and threatens the livelihoods of farmers, adding that, government must prioritise equipping the NIB to tackle these issues. Mr Shadrach Badekebo James, a resident of Dambai, among those who were engaged by GNA appealed to the government to reward Oti Regional Command of NIB for their dedication and sacrifices to national duty. The GNA information check shows that the Police are yet to take over the case. Source: Ghana News Agency