Sierra Leone recalls envoy to Guinea over suspected cocaine bust: Video
Sierra Leone has recalled its ambassador to Guinea, Mr. Alimamy Bangura, following the discovery of seven suitcases containing substances suspected to be cocaine in an embassy vehicle.
This incident has raised serious concerns and prompted an urgent investigation by both Sierra Leonean and Guinean authorities.
Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, announced the recall of Ambassador Bangura to Freetown to provide a full account of the incident. Minister Kabba emphasised that the ambassador was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident and is not currently under arrest.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to hold all responsible parties accountable.
"In light of this serious development, 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. Additionally, a thorough investigation has been launched to determine how this incident occurred and to hold all responsible parties accountable," he said.
On Monday, January 13, Guinean authorities impounded a vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone embassy and detained its occupants. The vehicle was found with seven suitcases filled with substances suspected to be cocaine, along with approximately $2,000 in cash.
This incident comes at a time when Sierra Leone is grappling with a national drug abuse crisis. In April 2024, President Julius Maada Bio declared drug abuse a national emergency, highlighting the prevalence of substances like "Kush," a psychoactive blend of addictive substances.
