250 Drums Of Sodium Cyanide Seized Along Black Volta River
The consignment was found on the banks of the Black Volta River “ostensibly ready to be transported across the border.” The seized drums were conveyed to the Nadowli Police Station for safekeeping and further investigation
Border security personnel have intercepted a major haul of suspected sodium cyanide at an unapproved crossing point along the Black Volta River, close to the country’s frontier with Burkina Faso. The discovery was made on Wednesday afternoon, 16 July, during routine patrols by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Nadowli District of the Upper West Region. Officers say they uncovered 250 drums of the chemical, believed to be destined for smuggling into Burkina Faso. The operation was led by Officer-in-Charge Bertrand Dery and took place near Zukpiri at exactly 13:45 GMT.
Details
According to a statement from the GIS Regional Public Affairs Officer, Inspector Ibn Yussif Duranah Abdul-Mumin Seidu, the consignment was found on the banks of the Black Volta River “ostensibly ready to be transported across the border.” The seized drums were conveyed to the Nadowli Police Station for safekeeping and further investigation.
Authorities say intelligence-gathering mechanisms have been activated to identify and apprehend those behind the smuggling attempt. “This is part of a broader strategy to secure Ghana’s borders, particularly along unapproved routes,” the statement said, adding that 24-hour surveillance has been ordered across known illegal crossing points.
Increased patrols
The Upper West Regional Commander of the GIS, DCOI Justice Bosomtwi-Ayensu, has reportedly directed increased patrols to curb the flow of illicit goods across the frontier. In a stern warning, the Immigration Service said it would not tolerate cross-border criminal activity. “Any unrepentant individual who stands in our way shall become the way,” the statement read.
“There are no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’. Anyone engaged in illegality must either stop or be stopped.” The use and movement of sodium cyanide is heavily regulated due to its toxicity and potential for misuse in illegal mining or other hazardous activities. Authorities are yet to confirm the intended purpose of the consignment or make any arrests related to the seizure.
