- 39-year-old Kwame Mananyi Tuanda arrested in Accra for trafficking cannabis using a fake ambulance.
- Arrest followed police surveillance; Hyundai Hiace ambulance intercepted at La Maami.
- 700 parcels and 473 wrappers of suspected cannabis were recovered.
- Ambulance was converted from a regular vehicle with a siren; previously used a Toyota Highlander.
- Police are analyzing the seized narcotics; Tuanda remains in custody as investigations continue.
Police in Accra have apprehended 39-year-old Kwame Mananyi Tuanda for allegedly smuggling large quantities of cannabis in a privately owned ambulance.
The arrest occurred on September 10, 2025, after the Accra Regional Police Command conducted extensive surveillance. Officers intercepted a Hyundai Hiace ambulance (registration GX 277-20) in front of the Jamboree Drinking Spot at La Maami. Tuanda, who identified himself as the owner of the vehicle and its contents, was found standing beside the ambulance at the time of the stop.
A search of the vehicle revealed numerous sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be cannabis. Police recovered 700 parcels and 473 wrappers of the narcotics. Preliminary investigations indicate that the ambulance was loaded in Kpando, Volta North Region, before being transported to Accra for distribution. During questioning, Tuanda reportedly admitted to operating in the illicit trade since the previous year.
Authorities said Tuanda originally purchased the Hyundai Hiace as a regular vehicle before converting it into an ambulance, complete with a siren, to conceal his trafficking activities. He had also used a Toyota Highlander for similar purposes. Police further noted that the vehicle had been used to transport dead bodies alongside its role in drug smuggling.
The ambulance has been seized, and the narcotics are being sent to the Police Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. Tuanda is currently in custody as the investigation continues. The Accra Regional Police Command urged the public not to misuse legitimate service vehicles for criminal activities and pledged to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking.
