Sierra Leone: Suitcases of suspected cocaine found in embassy vehicle

“It has not been proven that the ambassador is involved in this trafficking,” Kabba said.

About $2,000 (£1,600) in cash was found along with the seven suitcases, according to the minister, who did not specify the weight of the suspected drugs.

He said the two West African countries were cooperating in a “thorough” investigation of the incident, pledging that all responsible parties would be held accountable.

“Anyone found guilty of breaking Sierra Leonean and international drug trafficking laws will face full force of the law.”

West Africa is a major transit point for the trafficking of cocaine from Latin America, where it is produced, to Europe, one of the drug’s main markets.

But some drugs are also being consumed locally.

Last April, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio declared drug abuse in the country a national emergency.

Kush, a psychoactive blend of addictive substances, has been prevalent in the country for years.

Local communities have called on the government to tackle the scourge and help them deal with drug users.