The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Kwame Mananyi Tuanda, for allegedly using a private ambulance to traffic large quantities of cannabis.
The arrest took place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, after sustained police surveillance. Officers intercepted a Hyundai Hiace private ambulance with registration number GX 277-20 in front of the Jamboree Drinking Spot at La Maami.
According to a police statement, Tuanda, who claimed ownership of both the vehicle and its contents, was found standing beside the ambulance when it was stopped. A search of the vehicle uncovered several sacks filled with dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
Upon further examination, officers retrieved 700 parcels and 473 wrappers of the suspected narcotics.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the ambulance had been loaded with the substances in Kpando in the Volta North Region before being transported to Accra for distribution. Police said Tuanda admitted during interrogation that he had been engaged in the illicit trade since last year.
Investigators also discovered that the suspect originally bought the Hyundai Hiace as a regular car before branding it as an ambulance and fitting it with a siren to disguise his activities. Prior to that, he allegedly used a Toyota Highlander for similar operations.
Police added that Tuanda had been using the vehicle not only for drug trafficking but also for transporting dead bodies.
The ambulance has since been impounded, and the seized items are being sent to the Police Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. The suspect is currently being processed for court while investigations continue.
The Accra Regional Police Command cautioned the public against the abuse of legitimate service vehicles for criminal purposes and reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying its fight against drug trafficking.
