A Senegalese national has been remanded in custody after being intercepted with 1.8 kilogrammes of cocaine at Freetown International Airport in Lungi.

Fatou Zingie Gueya, 40, appeared before Justice Mark Ngagba at High Court No. 8 on Tuesday, where she pleaded not guilty to four counts of unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, contrary to Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008.

According to police reports, the seizure took place on April 3, 2026, at the Lungi airport in Port Loko District. Authorities allege that Gueya transported the illicit substance from a local hotel to the airport terminal with the intention of exporting the drugs from Sierra Leone.

The court heard that Gueya arrived in the country via Air Sénégal, transiting through The Gambia. She was intercepted at a security screening point by Detective Inspector Hindolo Bundu Kamanda after a search of her luggage uncovered a white powdery substance, later confirmed to be cocaine hydrochloride divided into two parcels.

Defence counsel M.K. Dauda is representing the accused, who entered her plea with the assistance of a French interpreter.

Prosecutor N. Jalloh requested a continuance to secure witness testimony for the trial. Justice Ngagba granted the application and adjourned the matter until June 17, 2026.