Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) is mourning the death of one of its officers, Emmanuel Payne, who was killed on the evening of July 22 in Caldwell, Monrovia, while reportedly attempting to apprehend a known drug suspect.
By Patience M. Jones
Officer Payne, assigned to the New Kru Town Detail of the LDEA, was off duty and visiting a friend in the Benson Street area of Caldwell when the incident occurred.
According to the agency, he was fatally attacked by a mob believed to include local drug users and residents after he tried to intercept a suspected drug trafficker.
Preliminary reports indicate that around 6:00 p.m., Officer Payne noticed a man carrying a black plastic bag heading toward a location known to harbor illicit drug activity. Relying on his training and instinct, he confronted the suspect, later identified as Franklin B. Feawoe, alias “Black Bottle,” a well-known drug kingpin in the area.
As Officer Payne attempted to detain the suspect, Feawoe allegedly called for backup from nearby drug users in the ghetto. Despite firing two warning shots to disperse the crowd, Payne was overpowered by the growing mob.
Eyewitnesses reported that even after clearly identifying himself as an LDEA officer and wearing full uniform, Payne was falsely accused of being a “motorbike rogue.” He was pursued, assaulted, and severely beaten. He was later rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
In response, the LDEA has condemned the killing in the strongest terms, describing it as a “heinous and cowardly act.” The agency said it is working closely with the Liberia National Police and other security partners in a manhunt for Feawoe, who remains at large and is wanted for questioning.
“We will not rest until every individual involved in this gruesome act is brought to justice,” the LDEA said in an official statement. “Officer Payne’s courage and dedication will forever be remembered.”
The agency has since launched targeted raids across the Caldwell area. Several ghettos have been dismantled and multiple individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack or for unrelated drug offenses.
The LDEA is calling on the public to assist in the ongoing search for Franklin B. Feawoe. Citizens with any information are urged not to confront the suspect but to immediately contact the LDEA via its hotline at 0777-133-333.
Meanwhile, the agency has extended its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Emmanuel Payne.
“His ultimate sacrifice in the fight against drug trafficking will never be forgotten,” the agency said.
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