Thursday, January 16, 2025

Guinea cocaine bust prompts Sierra Leone to summon ambassador

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has urgently recalled its ambassador to Guinea after suspected cocaine was discovered in an embassy vehicle.

Foreign Minister Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba announced the recall Thursday, following Guinea’s seizure of the embassy vehicle. Guinean authorities detained the driver and another occupant, uncovering seven suitcases of substances believed to be cocaine.

“The government has recalled Ambassador Alimamy Bangura to Freetown to provide a full account of this grave incident,” Kabba stated.

Kabba emphasized that Bangura was not in the vehicle during the incident and is not under arrest. “It has not been proven that the ambassador is involved in this trafficking,” he clarified.

The seized vehicle contained $2,000 in cash alongside the suspected drugs. Authorities have yet to disclose the exact quantity of the substances.

Kabba assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, vowing accountability for anyone involved. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between Sierra Leone and Guinea to address the issue.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that West Africa seized over 126 tonnes of cocaine between 2019 and 2024.

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