Ghana: Cannabis Traffickers Use Ambulances, Bullion Vans

• Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka alleges cannabis traffickers are using ambulances and bullion vans for transport.
• Security agencies have received intelligence confirming the use of legitimate service vehicles for illicit drug movement.
• The government is actively destroying cannabis farms, making arrests, and conducting intelligence-led operations.
• A recent operation involved seizing dried cannabis from a shrine, prompting a complaint from its owners.
• Minister Muntaka expressed concern over a casual community attitude towards cannabis cultivation, hindering anti-trafficking efforts.

The Minister claims that these illicit operators are exploiting vehicles intended for legitimate public services, specifically ambulances and bullion vans, to transport illegal substances.

Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka has brought to light serious allegations concerning the methods employed by suspected cannabis traffickers. The Minister claims that these illicit operators are exploiting vehicles intended for legitimate public services, specifically ambulances and bullion vans, to transport illegal substances. This revelation comes as the government intensifies its campaign against the cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, October 12, 2026, Mr. Muntaka disclosed that security agencies have acquired intelligence indicating that vehicles typically associated with essential services are being repurposed for criminal activities. He detailed instances where ambulances, which should be transporting patients, are instead being used to move cannabis. According to the Minister, intelligence reports have led officers to intercept such vehicles, revealing them to be laden with illegal drugs rather than sick individuals.

Furthermore, Mr. Muntaka alleged that bullion vans, primarily used for the secure transportation of money for the Bank of Ghana, are also being utilized by traffickers. He stated that these vans, after delivering their legitimate cargo, are then used to carry cannabis on their return journeys. These claims underscore the sophisticated and audacious tactics reportedly being adopted by those involved in the illegal drug trade.

In response to these escalating challenges, the government is actively implementing a multi-pronged strategy to combat illegal cannabis cultivation and trafficking. Minister Muntaka affirmed that authorities are engaged in destroying cannabis farms, conducting arrests, and executing intelligence-led operations designed to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illicit trade. This proactive approach aims to dismantle the infrastructure supporting drug trafficking within the country.

The Minister recounted a recent operation where security personnel acted on specific intelligence regarding dried cannabis concealed within a shrine. Despite the sacred nature of the premises, officers proceeded to enter and confiscate the entire stash of illegal substances. This operation, however, led to a formal complaint from the shrine's owners, who accused the security personnel of desecrating the site. Mr. Muntaka emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to pursuing all individuals involved in drug-related offenses, regardless of the perceived obstacles.

Beyond the operational challenges, Minister Muntaka also voiced significant concern regarding what he described as a "casual attitude" towards cannabis cultivation prevalent in certain communities. He noted that residents in these areas often do not perceive the practice as a serious problem, possibly due to a misconception that it is not significantly harmful. This societal indifference, according to the Minister, complicates efforts to curb the illegal trade.

The Minister's statements highlight the complex interplay between law enforcement, community perceptions, and the persistent efforts of cannabis traffickers using ambulances and bullion vans. The government's ongoing strategy will continue to focus on farm destruction, arrests, and intelligence-driven operations to address both the supply and the underlying societal acceptance issues contributing to the problem.

Source: Original reporting via Emmanuel Tetteh