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Conte's son in TV drug confession Conte's son in TV drug confession
(10 minutes later)
The eldest son of the former President of Guinea, Lansana Conte, has confessed to drugs trafficking on state TV.The eldest son of the former President of Guinea, Lansana Conte, has confessed to drugs trafficking on state TV.
Ousmane Conte was arrested this week on drug trafficking charges by the junta that seized power hours after the death of his father in December. Ousmane Conte was arrested on Monday on drug trafficking charges by the junta that seized power hours after the death of his father in December.
The once powerful Guinean army officer told state TV: "I am in the drug business and I regret it."The once powerful Guinean army officer told state TV: "I am in the drug business and I regret it."
But Mr Conte denied rumours that he is the godfather of the country's booming cocaine trade. But Mr Conte denied rumours that he is the godfather of the country's booming trade in cocaine destined for Europe.
"Everyone who knows me, knows I'm not a liar. It's true that I am mixed up in this drugs business, but I'm not the ringleader," he said, speaking in French."Everyone who knows me, knows I'm not a liar. It's true that I am mixed up in this drugs business, but I'm not the ringleader," he said, speaking in French.
Mr Conte said he was sick, although no details of his illness were given. 'Not in a good state'
On Monday, a relative of the former president was shown on state television confessing that he had received tens of thousands of dollars from a Colombian partner. Mr Conte appeared unwell and was shown lying on a bed, hooked up to an intravenous drip. He said he was sick, although no details of his illness were given.
The army officers who seized power when President Conte died, after more than 20 years in power, said they intended to punish the corruption associated with the illegal drugs trade. A doctor treating Mr Conte told state TV: "He is not in a good state."
On Monday, the former president's brother-in-law was also shown on state TV confessing he had received tens of thousands of dollars from a Colombian partner.
The army officers who seized power when President Conte died said they intended to punish the corruption associated with the illegal drugs trade.
The late president and his clan had ruled the mineral-rich west African country with an iron fist for 24 years.
Guinea, like other West African states, is known to be a transit point for smuggling cocaine from Latin America to markets in Europe.Guinea, like other West African states, is known to be a transit point for smuggling cocaine from Latin America to markets in Europe.
The military rulers, widely criticised for their coup, are under pressure to restore civilian rule and have promised polls before 2010.