Accra: Police intercept private ambulance at La transporting narcotics

The Accra Regional Police Command has intercepted a Hyundai H1 private ambulance at La in Accra, allegedly being used to transport quantities of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.

The vehicle, with registration number GX 277-20, was intercepted on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in front of the Jamboree Drinking Spot at La Maami, following sustained police surveillance.

A statement issued and signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, the Head of Public Affairs, Accra Region, said suspect Kwame Mananyi Tuanda, aged 39, who claimed ownership of the ambulance and its contents, was arrested at the scene.

A search conducted on the vehicle uncovered sacks of dried leaves concealed in the ambulance.

Upon examination, police retrieved 700 parcels and 473 wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment had been transported from Kpando in the Volta North Region to Accra for onward distribution.

The suspect reportedly admitted to engaging in the illicit trade since 2024.

The statement said further investigations established that the suspect originally purchased the Hyundai Hiace as a regular car, later fitted it with a siren, and branded it as an ambulance.

Prior to that, he allegedly used a Toyota Highlander for the same purpose.

Aside from its use in drug trafficking, the suspect also operated the ambulance to transport dead bodies.

The vehicle has since been impounded, with the exhibits retained for evidential purposes.

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 Command cautioned the public against the abuse of legitimate service vehicles for criminal activities and reaffirmed its commitment to clamping down on drug trafficking.