By Mohamed J Kargbo
The Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Bangura, and the Head of Chancery have been urgently recalled to Freetown to address allegations of cocaine smuggling involving an embassy vehicle.
In a press conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Kabba revealed that the Guinean government formally reported the matter on January 13, 2025. The complaint followed the December 31, 2024, arrest of an embassy utility vehicle in Guinea, along with its driver and an unidentified Sierra Leonean passenger.
The vehicle, bearing diplomatic plates and authorized by a Laissez Passé signed by the Head of Chancery, was allegedly found carrying seven suitcases suspected to contain cocaine. The document indicated the vehicle had traveled from Guinea to Sierra Leone and was intercepted during its return journey.
Prior to the said cocaine smuggling allegation, Sierra Leone over the period has been accused of trafficking drugs to not only her immediate neighbors, Guinea and Liberia but beyond. Sierra Leoneans recently were embarrassingly deported from Guinea because of alleged drug offences.
However, Minister Kabba assured the public of a comprehensive investigation and cooperation with Guinean authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.
“We are working closely with the Guinean authorities to ensure transparency and accountability, Kabba said”.
Inspector General of Police William Fayai Sellu reiterated the country’s zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking, emphasizing that anyone found guilty would face severe consequences.
“Let it be clear: Sierra Leone upholds a zero-tolerance policy on drug trafficking,” the Inspector General Selliu noted.
The government pledged to keep the public informed as investigations unfold, urging patience while efforts continue to uphold justice and accountability.
