The Sierra Leone Police Authority has arrested a Nigerian national, Patrick Nonso, at the Freetown International Airport after he was allegedly found in possession of 46 wraps of a white substance suspected to be cocaine.

PUNCH Metro gathered from a Sierra Leonean news platform, Sierraloaded, on Tuesday that the suspect was apprehended on Sunday during routine airport screening.

According to the report, “The suspect, identified as Patrick Nonso, was detained on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after authorities discovered 46 wraps of a white substance suspected to be cocaine during routine checks at the Freetown International Airport.”

The publication further disclosed that Nonso was travelling with an Italian passport at the time of his arrest and was immediately taken into custody by officers of the Sierra Leone Police.

Providing an update on the development, police authorities were quoted as saying, “The suspect is currently in police custody and is cooperating fully with investigators.”

The report added that an investigation had been launched to determine the origin of the suspected narcotics and to establish whether other individuals were involved.

“Authorities have opened an inquiry to trace the source of the suspected narcotics and to ascertain if there are accomplices,” the report stated.

It noted that no formal charges had yet been announced, as forensic analysis was ongoing to confirm the exact composition and weight of the seized substance.

Investigators are also said to be reviewing the suspect’s travel and immigration records as part of the probe.

According to the publication, airport security officials cooperated fully with law enforcement in line with established protocols for handling suspected controlled substances.

Police authorities assured that further updates would be provided as the investigations progress.