On February 21, 2022, following a targeting operation, members of the Airport Anti-Trafficking Unit (CAAT) arrested South African national Nolusindio Félicia Mannkonkwana upon her arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport.

When questioned about the reason for her stay in Senegal, she stated that she was on vacation and working for herself. The officers deemed these answers unconvincing and decided to search her luggage.

She had only one suitcase containing a few personal belongings. But her profile attracted attention: pregnant and planning a short five-day stay (from February 21 to 26) in a country whose language she did not speak.

When X-rayed, the suitcase revealed a false bottom concealing a white powder. Tests confirmed it was pure heroin.

The investigation led to the arrest of Fallou Ndione, who had come to meet her at the airport. According to the defendant, the drugs were given to her by a certain Ricky James (also known as Rick Means), who allegedly put her in contact with Fallou Ndione, who was tasked with facilitating her departure from the airport and taking her to a hotel in Grand-Yoff.

Fallou Ndione, for his part, claims that he was simply supposed to transport the lady to her hotel for 30,000 CFA francs.

Despite the investigations, the alleged supplier Ricky Means has not been found.

Charged with conspiracy, possession and international drug trafficking, money laundering and collusion with an international network, the two defendants face heavy sentences.

In court, Félicia Mannkonkwana maintained that she was unaware of the presence of drugs in the suitcase. She explained that after packing her belongings in a small bag, Ricky Means offered her another suitcase, deeming her bag unsuitable for travel.

The judge reminded her, however, that during the investigation, she had stated that she had to hand the bag over to someone in exchange for payment. She also reportedly mentioned a sum of two million francs promised by Ricky Means, according to the telephone transcripts included in the case file.

For his part, the deputy prosecutor emphasized that the defendants had allegedly taken advantage of her advanced pregnancy to facilitate the drug trafficking. In fact, she had given birth prematurely in Senegal. The child was then returned to South Africa.

Based on this, the prosecution believes that international trafficking is established and that there was an agreement between the various parties involved, each with a specific role. According to the prosecution, Fallou Ndione acted as an intermediary between the drug mule and the intended recipient.

The prosecutor has requested 15 years of criminal imprisonment for the two defendants.

The defense pleads vulnerability

Félicia Mannkonkwana's lawyer, Omar Sène, pleads his client's good faith. According to him, she could have been unaware of the contents of the suitcase given to her by Ricky Means. He emphasizes her vulnerability: abandoned by her husband while pregnant, she was allegedly exploited by an organized network.

"She gave birth at seven months. She is a woman in distress who was manipulated," he argues, asking for leniency from the court.

According to Fallou Ndione's lawyer, Amar Kane, his client was simply approached by a man named Moussa Diaw to find a vehicle to drive the woman to her hotel. He maintains that the mention of a two million FCFA commission is nothing more than speculation intended to implicate him.

The defendants will learn their fate on March 20th.