The British Customs authorities are investigating reports that a British company was involved in supplying weapons to opponents of the former military government in Sierra Leone in breach of a United Nations arms embargo.

The reports published in today's Sunday Times newspaper say the company concerned, Sandline, had agreed to supply arms and train a forty-thousand strong militia to restore the civilian government in Sierra Leone that was ousted from power in a coup a year ago.

The Sunday Times also alleges that senior British diplomats were involved in the plan.

The Foreign Office in London says it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Civilian government was restored to Sierra Leone in February by forces of West African countries.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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