250 Drums of Suspected Cyanide Intercepted by Immigration at Black Volta Border

Personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have intercepted a consignment of 250 drums containing chemicals suspected to be sodium cyanide along unapproved routes bordering Burkina Faso.

Sodium cyanide (NaCN) is a highly toxic chemical compound used in various industrial processes and occasionally as a pesticide. It is a white, crystalline solid that can release hydrogen cyanide gas when exposed to moisture or acids. This gas is extremely poisonous and can be lethal, interfering with the body's ability to use oxygen.

Sodium cyanide is also widely used in the extraction of gold and silver from low-grade ores through a process called cyanidation. 

The discovery was made on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at exactly 1:45 PM by officers on a routine patrol led by the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Nadowli District Command, Bertrand Dery.

The illicit consignment was found near Zukpiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo, at the banks of the Black Volta Lake, apparently poised for illegal transport across the border into Burkina Faso.

According to GIS officials, the seized chemicals were promptly conveyed to the Nadowli Police Station for safekeeping, examination, and further action. An active intelligence operation is now underway to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the suspected smuggling operation.

In response to the incident, the Upper West Regional Commander of the GIS, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) Justice Bosomtwi-Ayensu, has ordered the 24/7 manning of all known unapproved routes in the region. Routine border patrols have also been intensified to curb such cross-border crimes.

Speaking on behalf of the service, Regional Public Affairs Officer Inspector Ibn Yussif Duranah Abdul-Mumin Seidu reaffirmed the GIS's commitment to protecting Ghana’s borders. He issued a stern warning to those engaged in illicit border activities, stating:

"Any unrepentant individual who stands in our way shall become the way... those who depend on illegal border activities must either stop or be stopped. There are no 'ifs' or 'buts'."

The GIS is urging the public to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the country's territorial integrity and to report suspicious activities in border communities.