— As LRA Hands Over Seized Drugs and Guns To Relevant Authorities
IPNEWS: Barely a week since the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Marcus Zehyoue, disclosed that a transporter identified as Stephen Daniels brought into the country via Kenya Airways, of the dangerous substance ‘Methamphetamine’ recently seized at the Roberts International Airport in Liberia, little is heard on the prosecution of the Mr. Daniels and lead culprit and Chief of Security of the Roberts International Airport (RIA), Samuel Freeman.
Director Zehyoue told newsmen that the Kenya Airways has also suspended some individuals with link to the importation of the drugs into the country.
Now, on the heels of the investigation conclusion, another consignment of drugs possibly the ‘methamphetamine’, and cash of small arms (handmade pistols) has now been seized by the Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA)
The Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has seized and transferred three boxes of confiscated narcotics drugs and 13 pieces of guns to the appropriate government entities.
In an official handover ceremony held on Thursday, September 21, the Customs Department relinquished custody of three boxes of narcotic drugs to the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at the Roberts International Airport.
These narcotics, as indicated on the Airway Bill, were originally imported into the country by Mr. Sam Siryon, (not special Agent Sam Sanyon on the National Security Agency-NSA) the same individual associated with a recent drug seizure incident at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
Agent Edmond B. Reed, Officer-In-Charge of Customs Investigations, remarked during the handover of the drug consignment to LDEA that, “This marks the second shipment of Organic Stevia Green Tea Leaf, which the LDEA has confirmed to contain Methamphetamine.”
The illicit drugs were transported into the country via Kenya Airways flight (KQ 508) on September 11, 2023. They were uncovered during a routine inspection of cargo within the RIA Cargo warehouse.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, September 20, the Customs Department transferred 13 Short Single-Barrel firearms to the Joint Security in Zorzor City, Lofa County.
The short single-barrel firearms were discovered while being smuggled into the country through the Yeala Customs Business Office (CBO) in Lofa County, bordering Guinea. The firearms were uncovered during a routine inspection of cross-border traders.
The alleged smuggler, identified as Saika Fofanah from Kakata City in Margibi County, entered Liberia from Guinea, concealing the firearms in bags.
Suspect Fofanah is currently in the custody of the joint security. Both the confiscated drugs and firearms are subjects of ongoing investigations in accordance with Liberian law.
The Customs Department of the LRA remains committed to its core responsibilities, which encompass not only revenue collection but also facilitating cross-border trade, ensuring border security, and safeguarding the social interests of Liberia’s citizens.
In July 2023, President George Manneh Weah signed into law the Control Drug and Substance Act of 2023, commonly called the Drug Law.
The new law aims to regulate, restrict, control, limit, or eradicate the illegal export and importation as well as the flagrant use, abuse, and proliferation of narcotic substances within the bailiwick of the Republic.
The law, in part, provides penalties for specified offenses such as the unlicensed and unauthorized importation of controlled drugs or substances into the country.
The law, for example, states that “A person commits an offense if he/she purposely or knowingly imports into Liberia “any controlled drugs or substances without a license from the Minister.”
