Sierra Leone sends 3 men to US to face drug-smuggling charges

Sierra Leone sends 3 to US to face drug charges

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone authorities say three men convicted of drug smuggling have been sent to the U.S. where they are wanted on similar charges.

Sierra Leone and U.S. Embassy officials said Wednesday the three were flown from the West African country shortly after they were sentenced Tuesday to five-year prison terms along with five other foreign nationals.

A U.S. official said three were under federal indictment on drug charges and confirmed one was a U.S. citizen. Sierra Leone authorities said the other two were from Mexico and Venezuela.

A Sierra Leone court convicted the men of attempting to illegally import 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of cocaine last year in a plane with Red Cross markings.