Sierra Leone has taken swift action in response to the discovery of suspected cocaine in a vehicle belonging to its embassy in Guinea. The country recalled its ambassador to Guinea following the incident, which has raised serious concerns about potential involvement in drug trafficking.
Incident Details
On Monday, Guinean authorities seized a vehicle belonging to Sierra Leone’s embassy after they discovered seven suitcases containing substances suspected to be cocaine. Along with the drugs, approximately $2,000 (£1,600) in cash was found. Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, confirmed the development and emphasized that the government was taking the matter seriously.
“The government has urgently recalled Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Guinea, Ambassador Mr. Alimamy Bangura, to Freetown to provide a full account of the incident,” Kabba said. It was clarified that the ambassador was not in the car and is not under arrest, although the investigation continues.
Investigation and Government Response
The Sierra Leonean government has assured that the two countries are cooperating fully on the investigation. The government has pledged that anyone found responsible for trafficking illegal drugs will face the full force of the law. “It has not been proven that the ambassador is involved in this trafficking,” Kabba clarified, urging a thorough probe into the matter.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing issue of drug trafficking in West Africa, a region that has long been a key transit point for drugs, particularly cocaine, moving from Latin America to Europe. However, the problem has also begun to affect local communities, with increasing consumption of illicit substances like “Kush,” a dangerous blend of psychoactive drugs.
Drug Trafficking in West Africa
West Africa is a major hub for drug trafficking due to its strategic position between Latin America and Europe. Guinea, along with other West African countries, has been a key transit point for cocaine smuggling operations. In response to rising drug use and trafficking, Sierra Leone’s government has expressed its commitment to addressing the issue.
In April 2024, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio declared drug abuse in the country a national emergency. The use of “Kush,” a psychoactive drug, has been particularly prevalent in Sierra Leone in recent years, with local communities voicing growing concerns about the impact on public health and safety.
Calls for Action on Drug Abuse
The Sierra Leonean public has called on the government to take more decisive action in tackling drug abuse. Communities have requested support to deal with the increasing number of drug users, highlighting the urgent need for stronger measures to address both drug trafficking and local consumption.
As the investigation into the embassy vehicle incident continues, the Sierra Leonean government faces growing pressure to combat drug-related issues both within the country and in the region.
