Grand Gedeh County – After months of investigative work, the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) and its partners have successfully dismantled one of the country’s key wildlife trafficking networks operating in Grand Gedeh County.
By: Victoria G. Wesseh
The SWIU, dedicated to exposing and gathering intelligence on illegal wildlife trafficking, partnered with the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Customs Service of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and other international organizations to carry out the operation.
This investigation resulted in the submission of a Confidential Intelligence Brief (CIB) to law enforcement, which exposed the network’s operations, key traffickers, their methods, and connections to other serious crimes. Based on this intelligence, the SWIU secured an Interpol Red Notice for the arrest of suspects involved in the trafficking ring.
One of the major breakthroughs of the investigation was the recent arrest of Amadou Bah, an alleged key figure in the trafficking network. Bah, who operated from Grand Gedeh County, was arrested along with 178 kilograms of both white and black pangolin scales, leading to the dismantling of the network, which had been active in the county for years. The pangolin scales were found in warehouses controlled by Bah, who is now being held at the Zwedru Correctional Palace, awaiting his first court appearance.
Bah faces multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, illegal hunting of protected species, economic sabotage, cruelty to wildlife, illegal killing of pangolins, trafficking of pangolin scales, and illegal possession of wildlife.
This recent success showcases the dedication, professionalism, and persistence of the SWIU officers. The investigation has already led to the conviction of 11 defendants and triggered arrests nationwide, with further arrests and prosecutions expected as investigations continue.
Over the past 15 months, SWIU operations have led to significant rescues and seizures, including 1.4 tonnes of pangolin scales ,12 dwarf crocodiles, 3 slender-snouted crocodiles (critically endangered, with fewer than 500 left worldwide, including three breeding females rescued), 26 African grey parrots, 3 sooty mangabey monkeys, 2 chimpanzees and 3 pangolins
All of the animals listed are classified under CITES Appendix 1, indicating they are critically endangered.
