The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has outrightly debunked social media claims alleging that a large quantity of illicit drugs was intercepted on a Brussels Airlines aircraft at Freetown International Airport (Lungi) on Thursday, 30 July 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a press release, the Authority described the circulating claims as \u201cfalse and baseless.\u201d SLCAA added that no such drug interception occurred on any Brussels Airlines flight or on any other airline operating at the FIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Authority wishes to reassure the public that no such drug interception has taken place onboard any aircraft operated by Brussels Airlines nor any other airline operating at the Freetown International Airport. Any report suggesting otherwise is fundamentally inaccurate,\u201d the press release further stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Authority advised members of the public, media houses and social media to desist from circulating unverified information and to solely rely only on official communications from SLCAA and other competent state institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SLCAA emphasizes its obligation to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety and security in line with national laws and international civil aviation standards, while thanking the public for their continued cooperation in ensuring that accurate information reaches them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to SLCAA, the rumours appear to have emanated against the backdrop of a major cocaine seizure earlier in June 2026 at Roberts International Airport in neighbouring Liberia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It could be recalled that Liberian authorities intercepted approximately 237\u2013240 kg of cocaine worth more than US$19 million hidden in cargo boxes that were allegedly destined for Europe on a Brussels Airlines flight. Also according to reports, investigations in Liberia have examined possible links to transnational networks, with some media reports mentioning a wanted Dutch trafficker believed to have connections in the sub-region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brussels Airlines operates regular services between Brussels and Freetown (Lungi). No independent confirmation of any drug interception at the Sierra Leonean airport on the date in question has emerged from official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n