The Techiman Circuit Court has remanded two suspects into police custody over their alleged involvement in the transportation of suspected hazardous chemicals and unregistered tobacco products in the Bono East Region.
The suspects were arrested following a joint intelligence-led operation involving the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Police Intelligence Department and the Bureau of National Investigation.
The operation intercepted a vehicle with registration number UE-819-26 at the Tuobodom barrier in the Techiman District on September 1, 2026.
According to security officials, the vehicle was travelling from Nalerigu in the North East Region towards Bono East when officers stopped it for inspection.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered more than 100 barrels of suspected sodium cyanide, a highly hazardous chemical that is frequently diverted for use in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Security officers also discovered approximately 315 boxes of suspected illicit tobacco products concealed beneath sacks of sorghum and groundnut husks.
The driver was subsequently detained and, during interrogation, identified another individual as the intended recipient of the consignment.
The second suspect reportedly admitted that he was expecting the delivery but claimed he was acting as an intermediary for an unnamed third party.
The two suspects were initially granted three-day administrative bail to assist investigators in identifying the alleged owner of the consignment. However, authorities said the suspects failed to cooperate with the investigation.
They were subsequently re-arrested at a hotel in Techiman and charged before the Techiman Circuit Court.
During proceedings, the court denied a defence application for bail and granted the prosecution’s request for the suspects to remain in custody, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The court initially scheduled the next hearing for September 24, but following a joint application by the defence and prosecution, the date was brought forward to September 17, 2026.
The two suspects remain in police custody as security agencies continue investigations into the source, intended destination and possible wider network behind the suspected illicit shipment.
