Man arrested at Labadi for using fake ambulance to transport cannabis

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

In a statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs, the police said the arrest followed sustained surveillance.

On 10 September, officers intercepted a Hyundai Hiace minibus branded as a private ambulance, with registration number GX 277-20, in front of Jamboree Drinking Spot at Labadi Maami in Accra.

Police reports indicated that the suspect, who claimed ownership of both the vehicle and its contents, was standing beside the van when officers conducted the search.

Inside, they discovered several sacks filled with dried leaves suspected to be cannabis. A detailed examination revealed 700 parcels and 473 wrappers of the substance.

Investigations showed that the suspected narcotics were loaded onto the vehicle at Kpando in the Oti Region before being transported to Accra for distribution.

The suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the illicit trade since 2023.

Police further revealed that the suspect originally purchased the Hyundai Hiace as a regular vehicle, later fitting it with a siren and branding it as an ambulance.

Prior to that, he reportedly used a Toyota Highlander for similar illegal operations.

Aside from drug trafficking, he also used the vehicle to transport corpses.

The police confirmed that the ambulance has been impounded and the seized substances 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 added.