The Ondo State Government has destroyed a truckload of adulterated cocoa materials seized from a merchant at Lipakala Junction in the Ondo West Local Government Area, in a bid to curb economic sabotage and protect the integrity of its cocoa trade.
Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday. He said the adulterated materials were intercepted by a government task force during a routine patrol in the area.
According to Odusanya, the intercepted materials included dried cocoa placenta, which the merchant allegedly intended to mix with genuine cocoa beans to increase their weight and market value. He described the act as a deliberate attempt to compromise the quality of the state’s cocoa produce, warning that such practices not only damage the economy but also tarnish Ondo’s international reputation in the cocoa trade.
“This action is criminal and detrimental to our economy. We are taking a firm stance to ensure that Ondo State is not a safe haven for such unscrupulous individuals. Their activities not only reduce the quality of our produce but also jeopardise our international market credibility,” Odusanya said.
The Permanent Secretary further revealed that the suspect would face sanctions, including a fine, while both the adulterated materials and the vehicle used in transporting them have been impounded as a deterrent to others.
“We are appealing to the public and stakeholders in the cocoa value chain to support our efforts by reporting any suspicious activity or individuals engaged in cocoa adulteration. Swift action will be taken against offenders,” he added.
Also speaking, Mr. Philip Akintorinwa, Assistant Director of Produce and Area Officer for Ondo West, explained that the growing demand and high prices of cocoa on the international market have led some traders to engage in fraudulent practices to maximise profits.
“If these adulterants had gone undetected, they would have significantly increased the weight of the cocoa beans, allowing the merchant to sell at inflated prices. This is not only unethical but economically damaging,” Akintorinwa stated.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to eradicating such practices through continuous monitoring and strict enforcement by the task force team.
Ondo State, known as one of Nigeria’s top cocoa-producing regions, has reiterated its dedication to upholding the highest standards in agricultural produce and maintaining its global standing in the cocoa industry.
