Guinea

Son of late president arrested for drug trafficking

Article published on the 2009-02-25 Latest update 2009-02-25 12:08 TU

Ousmane Conté
(Photo: AFP)

The son of Guinea's late president was arrested on Tuesday to face charges of drug trafficking. Ousmane Conté was arrested at his home early on Tuesday and taken to the Alpha Yaya Diallo military camp.

Ousmane Conté is reported to have been named by other suspected drug traffickers, who were arrested on Monday.

After Lansana Conté died last December, a military junta seized power, promising to crack down on corruption and drug trafficking.

Guinea has become an important transit point for cocaine moving from south America to Europe.

Ousmane Conté is a commander in the country's army and has previously been accused of involvement in the drugs trade. Police last year accused him of being linked to the landing of a small plane loaded with cocaine about 300 kilometres from the capital Conakry.

The military attempted to seize the plane but failed to do so.