Officers from the Bantè district police intercepted a Mazda minibus in Bassila during the early hours of Sunday, 11 October 2026. The operation took place at approximately 1:00 am as authorities conducted routine checks within the area. Police personnel seized a large cache of Indian hemp discovered inside the vehicle during the stop. The seizure follows ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor transport routes across the region. Officials have taken the vehicle and the illicit materials into custody as part of the investigation into the shipment.
The interception occurred as the Mazda minibus navigated through the Bassila area during the early morning hours. Law enforcement officials, maintaining a presence on the local transport routes, flagged the vehicle for inspection at 1:00 am on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officers initiated a thorough search of the interior, which led to the immediate identification of the illicit cargo. The discovery prompted the police to secure the scene and transport the vehicle, along with its contents, to the local station for further examination.
Details of the Seizure
Police recovered 1,031 balls of Indian hemp contained within the Mazda minibus. Authorities confirmed that these items were distributed across 11 jute bags discovered inside the vehicle. Each of the 11 jute bags weighed 100 kilograms, bringing the total weight of the seized illicit materials to 1,100 kilograms. Officials continue to process the evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into the shipment intercepted in Bassila.
The physical evidence, consisting of the 1,031 balls of Indian hemp, was carefully cataloged by the responding officers. The contents were packed into 11 jute bags, each weighing 100 kilograms. This systematic arrangement of the materials was documented as part of the official police report on the seizure. The total weight of 1,100 kilograms represents a significant quantity of narcotics removed from the transport network by the Bantè district police.
Suspects and Investigation Details
Bantè district police apprehended two Togolese nationals from Kouloumbé following the discovery of the illicit shipment. Officials identified these individuals as the primary suspects involved in the transport of the seized materials. Both men currently remain in police custody as investigators proceed with formal questioning regarding the incident.
During initial interrogations, the suspects confessed to loading the goods in Aworo, Bassila. They provided details regarding the intended transit route for the 1,100 kilograms of Indian hemp. According to their statements, the shipment was meant for a final destination of Kétou. Edouard Djogbénou, representing local authorities, continues to oversee the processing of the evidence gathered from the Mazda minibus. Police are currently verifying the claims made by the detainees as the investigation into the origin and intended distribution of the narcotics remains active.
The two Togolese nationals from Kouloumbé were taken into custody immediately following the discovery of the 11 jute bags. Investigators are now focused on establishing the full scope of the activities involving these two individuals. As part of the ongoing inquiry, Edouard Djogbénou is coordinating the review of the statements provided by the suspects. The police are cross-referencing the information about the loading site in Aworo and the planned transit to Kétou against other evidence collected from the Mazda minibus. The investigation remains active as authorities work to finalize their findings regarding the shipment.
