Unauthorized plane landing at Freetown International Airport raises suspicions – The Sierra Leone Telegraph

Mackie M. Jalloh: Sierra Leone Telegraph: September 25, 2024:

The unauthorized landing of an unidentified aircraft at Freetown International Airport on Friday, September 20, has caused a storm of concern in Sierra Leone. The mysterious aircraft, said to have flown from Liberia and was en route to Mexico, landed in Freetown without the necessary permission and was found to be using a false registration number.

Although the government of Sierra Leone has issued statements stating that no suspicious objects were found on board, many Sierra Leoneans are skeptical about the credibility of these claims.

The involvement of three Mexican nationals, a country known for its ties to global drug cartels, and the lack of transparency from authorities have only fueled speculation that this incident is part of a larger, more sinister operation.

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education said in an official statement that everything was under control.

According to the ministry, four people were arrested on the plane: three Mexicans and one Spaniard.

A joint investigation involving the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), security forces and the Office of National Security (ONS) was launched. However, the details released to the public were vague and inadequate, leaving more questions than answers.

Initial investigation revealed that the plane had not departed from an officially recognized airport in Liberia and had not contacted air traffic control in Sierra Leone before landing in Freetown.

Despite this blatant violation of international aviation protocols, authorities have downplayed the seriousness of the incident, claiming that a thorough search of the plane revealed no suspicious items. This claim, especially given the plane’s destination—Mexico—has raised public doubts about the veracity of the investigation.

The involvement of three Mexicans immediately raises suspicions, given Mexico’s notorious reputation as a drug trafficking hub.

How can Sierra Leoneans be sure that nothing illegal was found on the plane?

If the plane was indeed part of an organized drug trafficking operation, why is the government so quick to declare this okay without providing any concrete evidence?

The hasty claim that no contraband was found, combined with the suspicious behavior of the crew, suggests that authorities are withholding crucial information.

The pilot, who initially claimed he did not speak English, later admitted that he had been paid $20,000 to fly the plane from Liberia to Mexico. This revelation should have immediately raised concerns, but instead the government appears to have swept the incident under the rug. T

The public deserves to know the full extent of this operation, and the SLCAA and the Sierra Leone Police must be transparent about their findings. It is crucial that these agencies release credible and detailed reports to address the mounting suspicions.

This is not the first time that Sierra Leone has been embroiled in a drug trafficking controversy. The country’s strategic location on the West African coast makes it an attractive target for international drug cartels looking to smuggle drugs across continents.

The case of the infamous cocaine ship from a few years ago is still fresh in the minds of many Sierra Leoneans. In that incident, a ship full of cocaine mysteriously disappeared after weeks of government delays and conflicting reports. The public was left frustrated and disillusioned as it became clear that powerful forces were at work shielding those involved from accountability.

The plane landing last Friday shows disturbing similarities to the mystery of the cocaine ship. Once again, the government offers little transparency and is reluctant to provide conclusive details about the investigation.

Could this unauthorised flight be another link in the chain of drug trafficking operations that are increasingly using Sierra Leone as a transit point? Are high-ranking officials complicit in enabling these activities to proceed unchecked?

Recent events raise further concerns about Sierra Leone’s possible involvement in drug trafficking.

Just weeks before the unauthorized landing, Liberian police reported that a vehicle coming from Sierra Leone was intercepted with a significant amount of marijuana on board. This incident, combined with the suspicious plane landing, points to a disturbing pattern.

Is Sierra Leone becoming a major player in the West African drug trade?

The connection between Liberia and Sierra Leone is particularly worrying. If drug traffickers are able to smuggle illicit substances across the border and through Freetown International Airport, it raises serious questions about the integrity of Sierra Leone’s security and border control measures.

The fact that the plane landed without any permission and bypassed air traffic control only reinforces these suspicions.

Sierra Leonean public demands answers

The SLCAA, the Sierra Leone Police and the government as a whole must give a full and honest account of what happened. Vague assurances that “no suspicious items” were found are not enough to allay growing fears that the country is being used as a drug trafficking route.

Authorities must conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Furthermore, the government must acknowledge the growing problem of drug trafficking within its borders. For too long, incidents such as the unauthorized landing have been swept under the carpet, with little to no consequences for those involved.

Sierra Leone’s reputation is at stake and the international community is watching closely. If the country does not address these issues, it risks becoming a haven for organized crime and drug cartels.

After this disturbing incident, the people of Sierra Leone deserve the truth. The government’s evasive response only serves to increase distrust and suspicion. The unauthorized landing of an aircraft linked to Mexico – one of the world’s most notorious drug hubs – should not be taken lightly.

The SLCAA, the police and other security agencies must ensure full transparency and accountability. If Sierra Leone is serious about combating drug trafficking and maintaining its international status, it must act decisively and openly, and ensure that the public is fully informed of the true nature of this incident and others like it.