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The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has strongly rejected social media reports claiming that a large quantity of illicit drugs was intercepted on a Brussels Airlines aircraft at Freetown International Airport (Lungi) on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
In an official press release, the Authority described the circulating claims as “false and baseless.”
It stated categorically that no such drug interception occurred on any Brussels Airlines flight or on any other airline operating at the airport.
“The Authority wishes to reassure the public that no such drug interception has taken place onboard any aircraft operated by Brussels Airlines or any other airline operating at the Freetown International Airport. Any report suggesting otherwise is fundamentally inaccurate,” the statement read.
The SLCAA urged members of the public, media houses and social media users to stop sharing unverified information and to rely only on official communications from the Authority and other competent state institutions.
It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety and security in line with national laws and international civil aviation standards, and thanked the public for continued cooperation in ensuring accurate information prevails.
The rumors appear to have emerged against the backdrop of a major cocaine seizure earlier in June 2026 at Roberts International Airport in neighboring Liberia.
Liberian authorities intercepted approximately 237–240 kg of cocaine (valued at more than US$19 million) hidden in cargo boxes that were allegedly destined for Europe on a Brussels Airlines flight. 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.
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. The SLCAA’s statement forms part of ongoing efforts to combat misinformation that can undermine public confidence in the country’s aviation security systems. Citizens are encouraged to verify aviation-related claims through the Authority’s official channels (www.slcaa.gov.sl or info@slcaa.gov.sl).
