Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09FREETOWN154
2009-04-24 14:29:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:
DRUG DESTRUCTION MAY BE FINAL STEP IN COCAINE SAGA
how-toR 241429Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2602 INFO ECOWAS COLLECTIVE AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS FBI WASHINGTON DC CIA WASHDC DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS FREETOWN 000154
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER/ESPRUILL) AND INL/AAE
(KGOLDSTEIN)
BRUSSELS FOR DOJ/DEA (TSCARANTINO)
DOJ FOR DEA/OS/OSE (MCMANAMON/LENARTOWICZ),
DEA/OS/OSE/CNTOC (BROWN)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR PREL PGOV SL
SUBJECT: DRUG DESTRUCTION MAY BE FINAL STEP IN COCAINE SAGA
REF: A. 08 FREETOWN 336
¶B. FREETOWN 152
In what is hoped to be the final step in the narcotics
trafficking case that has gripped Sierra Leone since July
2008 (reftel A),the over 700 kilos of cocaine seized by
authorities were burned in a public ceremony April 23. The
event was attended by law enforcement and government
officials as well as civil society and international
community representatives. The destruction order was issued
as part of the final judgments made on April 22 (reftel B)
sentencing the accused traffickers and confirming the
forfeiture of assets seized during the investigation. The
method for destroying the cocaine had been the subject of
spirited debate since the seizure, but following the judicial
order authorities moved expeditiously to burn the drugs in a
quick and public manner. Legal authorities have made it
clear that the drugs are no longer needed as evidence for any
further judicial process, including appeals.
PERRY