MONROVIA – In a significant victory against illegal wildlife trafficking, the Liberian National Police, operating as part of the National Wildlife Crime Taskforce (WCTF), confiscated 735.5 kg of pangolin scales.
Two suspects were arrested and are currently held at Monrovia Central Prison pending court proceedngs.
The operation was driven by intelligence provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), enabling Liberian authorities to intercept the contraband before it left the country.
“Wildlife crime is an organized crime, and defeating it requires an organized response,” said Mr. Edward Y.N.W. Appleton, Chief of Forest Law Enforcement at the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and Coordinator of the WCTF.
This collaboration highlights the growing strength of Liberia’s inter-agency enforcement strategies, combining police, border authorities, and international partners.
Legal Action and Deterrence
The suspects have been formally charged by the Ministry of Justice and If convicted, they will face heavy fines and long prison sentences. FDA officials stressed that Liberia will not serve as a safe haven or transit hub for wildlife trafficking.
Broader Investigations
Authorities are investigating whether the suspects are linked to larger trafficking networks connecting West Africa to illegal markets in Asia. Pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals, are poached for their scales, which are falsely marketed for traditional medicine despite lacking proven medical value.
All three pangolin species in Liberia are strictly protected under national law and international conventions.
Aiding the Wildlife Taskforce
The Taskforce established by the FDA is working in collaboration with the Liberia National Police to ensure enforcement and support by the EU, US government and other International institutions to combat wildlife crimes in Liberia.
About the WCTF
Established in 2019, the WCTF has become a cornerstone of Liberia’s fight against wildlife crime with support from the EU-funded PROBIO project (Protecting Biodiversity through Law Enforcement and Community-led Initiatives), the taskforce secured nearly 100 convictions for wildlife and forest crimes in 2024–2025. The illegal wildlife trade, alongside drug and weapon smuggling, remains one of the largest global organized crimes.
Global Significance
This seizure sends a powerful message to international trafficking syndicates that Liberia is committed to protecting endangered species and dismantling criminal supply chains.
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