Police arrest two with suspected contraband at Jema, Sodium Cyanide found in maize shipment

The Bono East Regional Police apprehended two individuals after intercepting a Kia Rhino vehicle loaded with suspected illicit items at Jema on September 1, 2026. The operation, conducted by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate in collaboration with national authorities, was sparked by intelligence leading officers to the vehicle, registered UE 819-26, as it traversed from Nalerigu to Kumasi around 4:00 p.m. Suspects Fusini Danaa, the driver, and his companion were detained upon a search of the maize-laden truck, which was allegedly bound for Kumasi.

In addition to 321 boxes of foreign cigarettes, including major brands, and 23 bags of soya beans, 39 bags of groundnut husks, and 21 bags of millet, officers uncovered 100 containers of a substance suspected to be sodium cyanide. Preliminary findings indicated the cargo was handed to the driver by a local intermediary in Bentri for delivery to a Kumasi customer.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Ghana Standards Authority are testing the seized substances due to possible health hazards. Police investigations are ongoing to trace other suspects. The Bono East Regional Command commended the inter-agency cooperation and emphasized dedication to crime prevention and public safety.