Former Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea Cleared in Embassy Vehicle Drug Case

The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has provided an important update on ongoing drug-related investigations during the Ministry’s weekly Press Conference held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

The briefing addressed developments surrounding the recent incident involving a Sierra Leone Embassy vehicle in Guinea found with suspected illicit substances.

The Minister confirmed that Guinean authorities have completed their investigation into the matter and have officially charged those arrested in connection with the case to court. He, however, emphasized that the investigation found no evidence implicating the then Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea.

“The Guinean authorities have cleared the former Ambassador of any criminal involvement. His recall by President Julius Maada Bio was purely a matter of discretion and not a disciplinary measure,” Chernor Bah explained.

It could be recalled that earlier this year, Guinean authorities impounded a vehicle belonging to Sierra Leone’s Embassy after discovering seven suitcases containing suspected cocaine. Two occupants of the vehicle were immediately detained for questioning.

Following the discovery, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, announced the urgent recall of Ambassador Alimamy Bangura to Freetown to provide a full account of the incident. The Foreign Affairs Minister clarified that the envoy was not in the vehicle at the time of the arrest and was never placed under detention.

He further disclosed that approximately $2,000 (about £1,600) in cash was found with the suitcases, though the exact weight of the suspected drugs had not been determined. Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba assured that both Sierra Leone and Guinea were fully cooperating in a transparent investigation to ensure justice is served.

“Anyone found guilty of violating Sierra Leonean or international drug trafficking laws will face the full force of justice,” the Minister emphasized.
The case came amid growing regional concerns over the trafficking of cocaine through West Africa, which has become a major transit route between Latin America and Europe.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone continues to battle the local scourge of Kush—a dangerous psychoactive drug that has caused widespread social and health problems. In response, President Julius Maada Bio earlier declared drug abuse a national emergency, urging stronger law enforcement and community support to curb the menace.

Minister Chernor Bah reiterated the Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and collaboration with international partners to ensure that Sierra Leone remains steadfast in the global fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.