Clarification on Sierra Leone Embassy Drug Scandal Claims

A recent scandal involving the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea has led to misinformation, with claims of the Ambassador being under house arrest for drugs found in an embassy vehicle. However, officials have refuted these claims, asserting that the Ambassador was not detained, and only a small amount of drugs was recovered instead of the alleged quantities.

On January 13, 2025, a significant incident involving Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Guinea unfolded when the Guinean authorities impounded an embassy vehicle. The driver, along with another individual, was arrested for allegedly possessing cocaine. This sparked controversy in both Guinea and Sierra Leone, prompting concerns regarding diplomatic integrity.

On January 18, 2025, the Gleaner newspaper claimed via Facebook that Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea was under house arrest due to his driver’s arrest, which included 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 found in the vehicle. This claim led to a public outcry in Sierra Leone, which demanded clarity and transparency.

In response to the growing concerns, DUBAWA initiated an investigation into the claims made by the Gleaner. They sought to verify the existence of a drug-related scandal involving the Ambassador, the alleged quantity of drugs, and the claim of the Ambassador being under house arrest. However, the newspaper did not provide the requested evidence.

Timothy Kabba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarified that rather than 380 kilograms, seven suitcases containing drugs and $2,000 were discovered in the vehicle. He confirmed that the Ambassador was not under house arrest and remained in Sierra Leone. The government is actively collaborating with Guinean officials to unravel the situation.

Chernor Bah, Minister of Information, reinforced Minister Kabba’s remarks, emphasizing that the Gleaner’s assertions were unfounded and denied any official communication indicating the Ambassador was detained. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, urging citizens to remain calm during the investigation.

The incident emerged following a vehicle impounding by Guinean authorities that exposed alleged drug possession tied to the Sierra Leonean embassy. This situation escalated into rumors about the Ambassador being placed under house arrest. The diplomatic implications and public reactions further complicated the situation, necessitating an investigation into the veracity of the claims made by media outlets and government representatives.

The inquiry by DUBAWA indicated that while a drug-related incident involving the embassy’s vehicle did occur, the assertion that Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea was under house arrest is false. The claims regarding the amount of drugs and money involved were also incorrect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed to a thorough investigation and maintaining public trust during this trying period.

Original Source: dubawa.org