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The Upper West Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intercepted two Kia Rhino trucks transporting unapproved substances, including sodium cyanide, foreign cigarettes, and assorted pharmaceutical products, at Kaleo in the Nadowli District of the Upper West Region.
The trucks, with registration numbers GS 5699-18 and GC 1871-11, were reportedly en route to Burkina Faso when they were intercepted following an intelligence-led operation.
A search conducted on the vehicles uncovered 58 cartons of cigarettes, 182 cartons of unapproved pharmaceutical drugs, and 40 drums of sodium cyanide. Authorities indicated that the consignments were being transported without the required documentation or regulatory approval.
The drivers and their mates have since been handed over to the Upper West Regional Police Command for further investigations and possible prosecution.
According to NACOC, the interception followed intelligence received on Sunday, February 1, 2026, regarding the movement of the two trucks toward Burkina Faso.
About sodium cyanide
Sodium cyanide is an extremely toxic industrial chemical capable of causing death within minutes of exposure. Once inside the body, it prevents cells from using oxygen, leading to internal suffocation even when a person is breathing normally.
Exposure—whether through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact—can result in rapid symptoms including dizziness, breathing difficulties, seizures, cardiac arrest, and death. Due to its high toxicity, the substance is strictly regulated worldwide.
While sodium cyanide is legally used in controlled industrial settings such as gold extraction in mining, electroplating, metal processing, and certain chemical manufacturing processes, its production, transport, storage, and disposal are governed by stringent national and international regulations. Companies handling the chemical are required to obtain licences and adhere to strict safety and environmental protection standards.
