Foreign Affairs Minister Responds to Arrest of Diplomatic Vehicle in Guinea with Illegal Substances

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By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

A press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Thursday, January 16, 2025, addressed the diplomatic incident involving a Sierra Leone Embassy vehicle that was recently impounded by Guinean authorities. The vehicle was found containing suspected illegal substances, including cocaine and a sum of $2,000 in cash. The situation has significant diplomatic implications for Sierra Leone and has prompted immediate action from the Government.

The Press Conference, chaired by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, revealed that on December 31, 2024, Guinean authorities detained a vehicle that allegedly contained seven suitcases filled with banned substances. The vehicle, which is believed to have originated from Sierra Leone, was reportedly carrying two individuals: the driver and a passenger. Following the discovery, the Guinean Government informed Sierra Leone on January 13, 2025 and the incident quickly attracted significant attention due to its potential diplomatic consequences.

In response to the situation, the Government of Sierra Leone has swiftly engaged with its Guinean counterparts to clarify the facts surrounding the arrest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recalled Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Bangura to Freetown for consultations. This step reflects the seriousness with which the Government is treating the issue, ensuring that the Ambassador provides a full account of the incident.

The Sierra Leone Government has also launched a thorough investigation into the matter to determine how the vehicle ended up in Guinea with the illegal substances. Authorities have stressed that the investigation will hold all responsible parties accountable and no leniency will be extended to individuals found to have participated in the illegal activity.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, clarified several important points during the Press Conference. He emphasized that Ambassador Alimamy Bangura was not involved in the incident, as he was not in the vehicle at the time of the arrest. The vehicle in question was not the official diplomatic vehicle of the Ambassador but a utility vehicle, further distancing him from any involvement in the alleged drug-related affair.

The Minister also confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was a local staff member of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea and was not a diplomat. The driver, along with the passenger, was arrested after authorities in Guinea discovered the illegal substances during a search. The items found included seven suitcases, mobile phones and the $2,000 in cash, which were suspected to be connected to international drug trafficking.

The Sierra Leone Government has emphasized its commitment to transparency and cooperation with Guinea in the ongoing investigation. Minister Timothy Kabba reassured the public that the Government would provide regular updates as new information becomes available. He also reiterated that anyone found guilty of breaking Sierra Leonean or international drug trafficking laws would face the full force of the law.

Furthermore, the Sierra Leone Police, are working closely with Guinean authorities to piece together the details of the case. The Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, Fayia Sellu, confirmed that a specialized team had been formed to investigate the incident. He stated that the police would examine all available information to determine how the drugs were transported across the border and who should be held accountable.

The investigation is still ongoing and the Sierra Leone Police have emphasized their zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes. The police will review border logs to identify the individuals on duty at the time of the vehicle’s departure, ensuring that a thorough and fair investigation is carried out. The dual approach will involve both disciplinary actions within the police force as well as criminal proceedings against anyone involved in the trafficking of illegal substances.

While the investigation progresses, Sierra Leonean authorities have been clear in their commitment to maintaining the country’s strong international reputation, which has improved under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio since 2018. Minister Timothy Kabba reaffirmed that the Sierra Leone Government remains focused on resolving the matter with diligence and ensuring that this incident does not damage the nation’s image.

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The Calabash Newspaper The Calabash Newspaper
The Calabash Newspaper Established in 2017, The Calabash Newspaper serves as a trusted platform for news and general information dissemination, catering to a broad Sierra Leonean audience both at home and abroad through its active presence on social media. The publication is committed to engaging its diverse readership by reporting on topical news events in Sierra Leone, enriched with editorials and insightful commentaries on pressing issues of the day. In addition to local news, The Calabash Newspaper expands its scope to include topics of continental interest, drawing from various international publications that address political, economic, and social developments across Africa.
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