Monrovia-Credible information reaching FrontPageAfrica from the Liberia–Sierra Leone border suggests that the Commander of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) assigned at Bo-Waterside and his deputy were allegedly arrested by Sierra Leonean security authorities in connection with suspected drug possession.
By Willie N. Tokpah
According to sources closely monitoring developments at the border, the two immigration officials were reportedly apprehended Saturday morning, after they allegedly attempted to cross into Liberia from the Sierra Leonean side with suspected narcotics.
Further details emerging from the border indicate that the Deputy Border Patrol Commander of Grand Cape Mount County for the Liberia Immigration Service, Randy P. Z. Tuweh, was arrested in Jendema, Sierra Leone, by the Sierra Leonean Drug Enforcement Agency.
Sources say Tuweh was allegedly found in possession of 600 strips of Tapentadol Tramadol tablets, a powerful opioid-based pain medication that is increasingly being abused across West Africa.
Sources further disclosed that shortly after the arrest, the Bo-Waterside Commander reportedly escaped from the custody of Sierra Leonean security personnel under circumstances that remain unclear.
His deputy, however, is said to remain in the custody of Sierra Leonean authorities, where he is currently undergoing investigation.
Authorities of the Liberia Immigration Service have so far remained tight-lipped regarding the reported incident.
Multiple attempts by FrontPageAfrica to obtain official comment from the LIS Communication Director, Laurine Page, proved unsuccessful, as her phone contacts remained switched off, while WhatsApp messages sent by this publication had not been returned up to press time.
However, a senior official within the Liberia Immigration Service, speaking to FrontPageAfrica on condition of anonymity, described the report as “still alleged,” adding that his remarks should be considered unofficial pending a formal statement from the authority.
The reported development comes at a time when Liberia is already grappling with heightened public concern over drug trafficking, following a recent major drug seizure by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) along the same border corridor.
The operation reportedly led to the confiscation of a large quantity of narcotics, a development that has since sparked tension and public debate amid allegations surrounding missing funds connected to the drug bust.
Security analysts say that if the latest allegations involving immigration officers are confirmed, it could further deepen concerns about the possible involvement of state security personnel in cross-border narcotics trafficking, particularly along the busy Bo-Waterside corridor, one of Liberia’s most active international entry points linking the country to Sierra Leone through Jendema.
As of press time, neither Sierra Leonean authorities nor senior officials of the Liberian government had issued an official statement confirming the reported arrest and alleged escape.
FrontPageAfrica will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.
