In a decisive move to protect the integrity of Ondo State’s cocoa industry, the state government on Wednesday destroyed a truckload of adulterants seized from a cocoa merchant at Lipakala Junction in Ondo West Local Government Area. According to Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the adulterants—primarily dried cocoa placenta—were intercepted during a routine patrol by the task force team. These harmful substances were allegedly being mixed with genuine cocoa beans to artificially increase weight, thereby defrauding buyers and sabotaging the state’s economy. Odusanya condemned the illegal act, stressing that such fraudulent practices not only damage the global reputation of Ondo’s cocoa but also risk the long-term sustainability of the sector. He reiterated the government's commitment to making the state unsafe for economic saboteurs, urging cocoa merchants to uphold quality standards and assist authorities with information on offenders. Meanwhile, the suspect is expected to face a fine, while both the adulterants and the vehicle used in transporting them have been impounded. Mr. Philip Akintorinwa, Assistant Director of Produce and Area Officer for Ondo West, further explained that the increasing demand and global prices of cocoa have led to a surge in such unethical practices, which the government is determined to eradicate.