A coordinated security operation at Powerhouse off the Ho-Adaklu highway led to the impoundment of seven long-haul trucks on Monday 24th August at about half past ten in the morning, after intelligence suggested the vehicles could be masking illicit cargo beneath heaps of palm kernel shells. The exercise was executed jointly by operatives of the Bureau of National Investigations, the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department and officials of the Ho Municipal Assembly.
The convoy comprised AAA-516 XX registered in Lagos, Nigeria, GM 2489-13 and GW 5640-W both on Ghanaian plates, and AT 5568 RB, AV 4897 RB, BN 2715 RB and CA 2109 RB from the Republic of Benin. The trucks entered Ghana through the Segbe border and were destined for the Free Zones enclave in Tema. Martin Couthon, who led the team of drivers, told interrogators the movement was a routine commercial shuttle to supply industrial buyers.
Municipal enforcement officers mounted immediate document verification, scrutinizing customs endorsements and entry permits while questioning the choice of corridor for such bulk haulage. Personnel of the MTTD also cited flagrant roadworthiness breaches, including the affixing of unapproved high-lumen fabrication lamps across the fascia of several of the loaded long vehicles, a modification deemed hazardous and non-compliant
Security officials indicated the trucks would be escorted to their base for systematic de-stuffing and forensic examination to authenticate the drivers’ claim. According to Martin Couthon, the consignment contained only palm kernel shells for processing and no concealed contraband. The BNI, however, maintained that laboratory analysis would establish the veracity of the declaration before any release.
The operation reflects heightened surveillance along the eastern frontier where agro-commodity cover is increasingly exploited for irregular cross-border haulage, with investigators expected to determine whether the incident warrants prosecution for smuggling and traffic violations or administrative sanction.
Source: #Howedey News Desk
Author: Korkor Anumu
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