Monrovia – New details have emerged surrounding the arrest of Clifford Payne, who was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to obstruct the prosecution of a suspect arrested with a large quantity of illegal drugs.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
While the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has confirmed that Payne has no known ties to drug trafficking or abuse, his action has landed him into legal tussle.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism press briefing on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the LDEA, Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, stated that the actions of Payne constitute a serious offense under Liberian law.
The incident unfolded after LDEA agents on Saturday arrested a suspect found with 12 grams of “kush,” a high-value strain of marijuana estimated at US$26,000. As investigators processed the case, Mr. Payne reportedly appeared at the LDEA Office, pleading for the suspect’s release, but LDEA officers denied the request.
Accordingly, Biago pointed out that the accused attempted to physically and procedurally disrupt the transfer — an act they classified as obstruction.
Despite information provided by the LDEA OIC, Liberians are critical of the profiling of Payne, a routine procedure to determine whether he had any connection to the drug suspect or the narcotics trade.
The LDEA boss maintained that the lack of criminal linkage does not and should shield him from the consequences of his alleged interference, but should rather be subjected to further investigation.
“Under our law, guilt for a crime is not transferable. But obstruction of justice is a separate crime on its own. Even if someone is not involved in the primary offense, attempting to influence or disrupt law enforcement procedures is illegal and cannot be left unchecked,” stated DOP Biago.
Mr. Payne is now expected to face charges for hindering law enforcement and obstruction of prosecution, which according to the LDEA head, are considered offenses that undermine the integrity of Liberia’s justice system.
He disclosed that the suspect arrested with the drugs is still under pre-trial detention and will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws.
The LDEA boss reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring drug-related cases process in accordance with the standing laws.
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