Kathy
Jan 17, Friday Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone has recalled its ambassador from neighbouring Guinea, Ambassador Mr. Alimamy Bangura, after seven suitcases containing suspected cocaine were found in an embassy vehicle. The incident occurred on January 13, Monday 2025, when Guinean authorities seized the vehicle and detained its occupants on suspicion of possessing substances believed to be cocaine. On January 17, 2025, the government of Sierra Leone launched a thorough investigation into the matter. The government is cooperating with Guinean authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The ambassador, Alimamy Bangura, was not in the car and is not under arrest, according to the minister’s statement, which added it has not been proven that the ambassador is involved in this trafficking.
About $2,000 in cash was found along with the seven suitcases, although the weight of the suspected drugs was not specified.
The incident highlights the issue of drug trafficking in West Africa, where the region is a major transit point for cocaine from Latin America to Europe, and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio having declared drug abuse a national emergency in April 2024.
The governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea are together investigating the incident to ensure that each and every criminal responsible for drug trafficking is held accountable. The Foreign Minister has reaffirmed that full force of law will be against those found responsible for violating Sierran drugs and international smuggling laws. Check out Questiqa World & Questiqa India for latest updates.
Olivia
Stacy
