Sierra Leone and Guinea Sign Agreement for Joint Investigation Into Cocaine Scandal
Sorie Abubakar Sierra Leone and Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct a joint judicial investigation into a high-profile drug-related matter.
The announcement was made by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The MOU aligns with Articles 3, 18, 19, 20, and 21 of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime of 2000, which encourages international collaboration in tackling organized crime, including drug trafficking.
Minister Bah revealed that the agreement follows a series of diplomatic engagements between Sierra Leone and Guinea. He confirmed that Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Bangura, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Kabba, has returned to Freetown after concluding discussions with Guinean authorities. Ambassador Bangura and the Head of Chancery are expected to brief Sierra Leonean officials on the details of the agreement and the next steps in the joint investigation.
On January 13, 2025, Guinean authorities impounded the embassy vehicle and apprehended the driver and another occupant on suspicion of possessing cocaine, according to a statement released by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry confirmed reports that seven suitcases of cocaine and $2,000 were allegedly found in the vehicle.
The incident has sparked public concern in Sierra Leone, fueled by previous reports of citizens’ involvement in drug trafficking. The government initially announced its intention to recall Ambassador Alimamy Bangura for questioning, promising a full investigation and prosecution of those involved.