The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Kwame Mananyi Tuanda, for allegedly using a supposed private ambulance to traffic large quantities of cannabis.

In a press release signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs, the police said the operation was based on sustained surveillance. On 10th September, officers intercepted a Hyundai Hiace private ambulance with registration number GX 277-20 in front of Jamboree Drinking Spot at Labadi Maami in Accra.

According to a police statement, the suspect, who claimed ownership of both the vehicle and its contents, was found standing beside the ambulance.

A search in the ambulance uncovered several sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be cannabis. The release explained that “Upon a thorough examination of the sacks, seven hundred (700) parcels and four hundred and seventy-three (473) wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis were retrieved.”

Long-Running Operation

Investigations revealed that the private ambulance had been loaded with the suspected narcotics in Kpando in the Volta North Region before being transported to Accra for onward distribution.

The police said the suspect admitted he had been involved in this illegal trade since last year.

The release further noted that Tuanda had initially purchased the vehicle as a regular car and later fitted it with a siren. Before acquiring the Hyundai Hiace, he had used a Toyota Highlander for the same purpose.

According to the police, “He subsequently branded the current vehicle as an ambulance and, aside from using it for drug trafficking, also operated it for transporting dead bodies.”

Vehicle Impounded and Substances Under Review

The police confirmed that the vehicle had been impounded and the suspected narcotics kept as exhibits. “Arrangements are underway to forward the substances to the Police Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. The suspect is being processed for court while investigations continue,” the statement said.

Police Caution

The Command used the occasion to warn against the misuse of legitimate service vehicles for criminal purposes.

“The Accra Regional Police Command cautions the public against the abuse of legitimate service vehicles for criminal activities while reaffirming its resolve to clamp down on drug trafficking,” the statement concluded.