The Weija District Court on Friday remanded into police custody a 39-year-old trader, Kwame Mananyi Tuanda, for allegedly possessing a large quantity of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
Tuanda, who resides at La, Accra, was arrested on September 10, 2025, following a sustained surveillance operation by personnel from the Accra Regional Police Intelligence Directorate.
Acting on intelligence that the accused had been dealing in narcotics, officers intercepted a Hyundai Starex Ambulance with registration number GX 277-20, which he was driving and had parked in front of Jamboree Drinking Spot at Labadi-Maami.
Upon his arrest, Tuanda allegedly claimed ownership of both the vehicle and its contents. A search of the ambulance revealed 700 parcels and 473 wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, concealed in several sacks.
The vehicle and its contents were transported to the Accra Regional Police Headquarters. The suspected narcotics have been retained as exhibits pending forensic testing at the Police Forensic Science Laboratory.
Tuanda has been charged with unlawful possession of narcotic drugs, contrary to Section 37(1) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019).
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, opposed a bail application by the defense counsel, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to verify the vehicle’s connection with the DVLA and Ghana Ambulance Service.
Chief Inspector Wonder further argued that the accused posed a flight risk and could potentially interfere with the investigation, especially since the alleged substance has not yet been officially confirmed as cannabis.
The defense, however, maintained that Tuanda is a family man, a breadwinner, and not a flight risk, emphasizing that he would not interfere with police work if granted bail.
After hearing both arguments, the presiding judge remanded the accused into custody, adjourning the case to September 25, 2025, to allow for further investigations and forensic analysis.
