The Public Ministry of Guinea-Bissau has requested prison sentences ranging from 17 to 20 years for five individuals arrested at Bissau airport in connection with the seizure of approximately 2.6 tons of cocaine. The Court’s ruling is set to be delivered on December 27.
During closing arguments at the conclusion of the trial’s second session on December 5, the prosecution called for two of the defendants to receive no less than 20 years in prison, with the remaining three to be sentenced to 17 years. The prosecutor stated that the evidence demonstrated the defendants’ involvement in crimes, including international drug trafficking, criminal association, and irregular aircraft landing at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
The case stems from an incident on September 7, when a private jet carrying 2.6 tons of cocaine landed at Bissau airport. Guinean authorities initially reported that the jet originated from Venezuela, though the defendants claimed during their testimony that it had departed from Mexico and was en route to Mali.
The five crew members facing charges are nationals of Mexico (two individuals), Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil.
In their final arguments, the defense denied the prosecution’s allegations and maintained, as their clients testified, that Guinea-Bissau was not the intended destination of the aircraft. “It was more than proven that the plane was not destined for our airport; it only stopped here for an emergency,” defense lawyers argued.
The prosecution also requested the confiscation of all assets found in the defendants’ possession at the time of their arrest, as well as the seizure of the aircraft itself.
Following the session, the judges of the Bissau Regional Court announced that the verdict will be read on December 27. This high-profile case highlights the ongoing challenges Guinea-Bissau faces in combating international drug trafficking.