MONROVIA – Just two days after the suspension of the Director of Security, Samuel Freeman, at the Roberts International Airport due to alleged involvement in drug smuggling through an unauthorized gate, there has been a burglary at the Liberia Revenue Customs offices located at the airport.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

The burglary was confirmed by the Communications Manager at the Liberia Revenue Authority, Danicius K. Sengbe, who also dismissed any links to the recent drug bust.

“I confirm that there was a burglary at the Liberia Revenue Authority’s Customs Office at the RIA. Our offices and examination hall were broken into, and the suspect, Joe Welh, has been arrested and handed over to the police. Welh is a staff member of Elite Facility, a janitorial company contracted by the LRA for cleaning services. It appears that Welh arrived at work early and entered the ceiling to steal goods from the examination hall. Currently, no missing items have been reported as the police continue their investigation,” Mr. Sengbe said.

However, the burglary occurred at a time when there had been a demand from the public for the publication of the airwaybill on which the consignment containing the drugs came into the country via Kenya Airways.

An airwaybill or AWB is a document that accompanies goods shipped by an international courier, allowing for tracking. It serves as a receipt of goods by an airline, as well as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier.

FrontPageAfrica gathered on Sunday that Mr. Freeman and the consignment he was escorting in a bus were intercepted by soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia assigned at the airport. Initially, he informed them that the boxes belonged to the President’s Chief of Protocol, Ms. Nora Finda Bondo. He, however, denied linking Ms. Bondo to the boxes when confronted by the Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), Mr. Martin Hayes.

An aviation expert informed FrontPageAfrica that while the physical copy of the airwaybill could be of importance as no stone can be left unturned, it is unlikely that the burglary at the Customs office at the airport was a result of a search for the airwaybill.

The aviation expert said that while there might be something sinister about the breakthrough, it is also possible that it is a result of common theft and may not have any link to the recent drug bust. FrontPageAfrica further gathered that the airwaybill cannot be removed from the system of GLS NAS, the company responsible for ground handling at the Roberts International Airport, without the involvement of its head office in France.

The consignment that was confiscated and turned over to the Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority for nearly two weeks before they were opened for inspection was initially said to contain organic moringa tea. However, further tests conducted on the herbal product by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) using test kits provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that the packages contained methamphetamine or meth.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth, is a synthetic stimulant with a high potential for addiction. It is sought after for its ability to induce euphoria and violent behavior, often described as a feeling of well-being, which can endure for up to 24 hours. Methamphetamine is readily accessible and affordable, particularly to adolescents, due to its relatively low production cost.

On Tuesday, the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Frank Musah Dean Jr., ordered the Joint Security of Liberia, as well as the LDEA, LNP, and the NSA, to expand their investigations into the importation of illegal drugs with the aim of bringing to justice all those involved.

Speaking to journalists at the Roberts International Airport, Mr. Samuel Freeman, the RIA chief of security, said the boxes were confiscated and placed in the Customs’ warehouse since August 31. However, he became concerned when FrontPageAfrica reported in its Monday, September 11, 2023, edition that he was allegedly involved with drugs.

Meanwhile, President Weah has strongly refuted allegations made by opposition leaders regarding his government’s involvement in drug importation into Liberia.

Opposition figures within Liberia have accused the CDC government of significantly contributing to the influx of drugs into the country, which they argue is causing harm to the younger generation of Liberians.

However, during a recent political rally held at Gbarnga, Bong County, at the David Kuyon Sports Stadium on September 13, President Weah dismissed these allegations. He asserted that the issue of drug abuse in Liberia has been a longstanding problem, one that dates back many years, and he emphasized that his government should not bear sole responsibility for it.

President Weah candidly shared that he personally encountered the drug issue in Liberia during his youth, even when he served as a Senator, and now as the President of the country. He went on to point out that during the tenure of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Vice President Joseph Boakai, Liberia witnessed a significant influx of drugs.

President Weah elaborated on this, recalling that during that time, several government officials were apprehended for their involvement in drug-related activities. He cited a specific incident involving the former Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), who was apprehended with drugs in his vehicle along the Liberia-Sierra Leone border during Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s presidency and Joseph Boakai’s tenure as Vice President.

Furthermore, President Weah highlighted his administration’s commitment to combating the drug problem in Liberia. He emphasized the importance of the recently enacted drug laws in the country as evidence of their dedication to this cause.

Monrovia – The suspended Director of Security at the Roberts International Airport, Samuel Freeman, and the Cargo Officer at Jos Travel, Sam Saryon (not NSA Deputy Director), have been named as prime suspects in the RIA drug bust.

Both men are now wanted by the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) for drug trafficking.

Jos Travel is the General Sales Agent for Kenya Airways, handling the airline’s tickets and cargo in Monrovia.

Freeman, who reportedly linked the Chief of Protocol for the Republic of Liberia, Ms. Nora Finda Bondo, to the drugs, which were contained in several boxes that he attempted to smuggle from the tarmac through an unauthorized gate on Monday, denied that the contents of the boxes were drugs.

His denial came after Customs, in the presence of the joint security, inspected the boxes and found what appeared to be organic moringa tea. However, tests conducted on the herbal products by the LDEA revealed that the packages contained methamphetamine or meth, a highly addictive drug also used as a base product for kush.

The whereabouts of both men are unknown, as the Ministry of Justice has declared them wanted.

MONROVIA – Mr. Samuel Freeman, the Director of Security at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), has been placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of an investigation into his alleged role in the smuggling of cargo from the tarmac through an unauthorized gate.

A copy of the personnel action form obtained by FrontPageAfrica indicates that Freeman’s action contravenes Section 4 of the Human Resource/RIA Handbook.

On Monday, FrontPageAfrica reported Freeman’s involvement into the removal and escort of several suspicious boxes from the airside. The boxes were placed into a bus which was intercepted by Armed Forces of Liberia stationed at the airport.

According to reports, Freeman had initially stated that the goods belonged to Ms. Nora Finda Bundo, the President’s Chief Protocol Officer, but later denied saying such.

On Tuesday, the boxes that were placed in the custody of Customs were unboxed and their contents were said to be moringa tea.

However, FrontPageAfrica gathered that further test conducted using test kits provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs Crime established that the consignment were methamphetamine, also known as meth.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth, is a synthetic stimulant with a high potential for addiction. It is sought after for its ability to induce euphoria, often described as a feeling of well-being, which can endure for up to 24 hours. Methamphetamine is readily accessible and affordable, particularly to adolescents, due to its relatively low production cost.

This substance can be administered through various methods, including injection, smoking, snorting, or oral ingestion. Injecting or smoking Methamphetamine results in an immediate and intense rush of its effects. In contrast, the euphoric sensation from snorting or oral ingestion is less intense and requires more time to manifest, taking approximately 3 to 5 minutes for snorting and 15 to 20 minutes for oral consumption.

In an interview with reporters on Monday, Freeman denied any wrongdoing.

MONROVIA – Samuel Freeman, the Security Manager at Roberts International Airport, is currently under investigation for his alleged involvement in an attempt to transport several boxes suspected of containing contraband directly from the tarmac, using an unauthorized gate at the airport.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

When contacted by FrontPageAfrica, the management of the Roberts International Airport (RIA) confirmed the interception of the boxes by officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia assigned at the airport.

FrontPageAfrica gathered that the boxes were being transported in a minibus and was escorted by Mr. Freeman who informed the AFL officers that the consignment belonged to President George Weah’s Chief of Protocol, Ms. Nora Finda Bundo. However, Ms. Bundo, vehemently denied knowledge of the boxes when she was contacted by the management of the airport.

The confiscated boxes have been turned over to the Customs Department of the Liberia Revenue Authority.

The Communications Manager at the LRA, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, confirmed to FrontPageAfrica that Customs is in possession of the suspicious boxes, but categorically denied knowledge of any link to drugs.

Mr. Sengbe said, “To the best of our knowledge, up to this moment, there has been no drug-related incident. However, I can confirm that the Liberia Revenue Authority, through Customs, is in possession of several suspicious boxes. These boxes have aroused suspicion due to attempts made to smuggle them out of the airport via an unauthorized gate, directly from the tarmac (airport apron). The Armed Forces of Liberia, stationed at the airport, intervened and subsequently handed these boxes over to Customs.

“At present, the contents of these boxes remain unknown, and they are under tight joint security protection. To ensure the integrity of the evidential chain of custody, joint security forces are diligently working to bring the consignee and ensure the presence of all relevant parties before opening the boxes.

Investigations into the attempted smuggling are ongoing, and we anticipate that further details will emerge shortly.”

The boxes are expected to be opened on Monday.

FrontPageAfrica has learned that diplomatic missions in Liberia have raised concerns regarding the suspicious boxes and the manner in which they were being clandestinely transported from the airport. Consequently, they have notified the airport management, the Liberia Revenue Authority, and the joint security agencies of their intention to closely monitor the investigative process and its eventual outcome.

Meanwhile, sources within the airport have disclosed to FrontPageAfrica that this incident is not an isolated occurrence. They assert that the Security Manager at the airport has previously taken cargo directly from the tarmac, purportedly on behalf of a high-ranking government official.

Last September, the joint security intercepted US$100 million worth of cocaine concealed in a frozen food container. The cartel reportedly infiltrated the Maersk shipping line and had the cocaine packaged with frozen goods. Like most countries in the West African subregion, Liberia is a major transit point for illicit drugs from South America to Europe or the United States of America.

The seizure by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Liberia National Police was made possible through a tip-off by the American Embassy in Monrovia.

Four suspects directly, two of whom were arrested on the scene were tried, but the court found them not guilty of illegal possession and importation of illicit drugs.

Upon their acquittal, former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Michael McCarthy said he was saddened to see the acquittal of suspects in the US$100 million cocaine trafficking case.

During his monthly press roundtable in January, Ambassador McCarthy expressed his concerns, stating, “While I’m cautious about making judgments about jury decisions, and I acknowledge that I don’t have access to all the case details or defense arguments, I sincerely hope that this doesn’t convey a perception of weakened enforcement against international criminal cartels.”

“From an outsider’s viewpoint, it is disconcerting that convictions could not be secured in Liberia, especially when the evidence appeared overwhelmingly compelling. Additionally, I am apprehensive about what these developments might signify for Liberia’s justice system, which has received substantial support from the United States Government in terms of capacity development over the years.”

Ambassador McCarthy’s remarks come in the aftermath of the Ministry of Justice’s unsuccessful attempt to persuade the Supreme Court to halt Criminal Court ‘C’ from enforcing the jurors’ verdict in favor of defendants Malam Conte, Adulai Djibril Djalo, Makki Admeh Issam, and Oliver A. Zayzay through a writ of prohibition.

In July, President Weah enacted a significant piece of legislation known as the Control Drug and Substance Act, colloquially referred to as the Drug Law. This momentous duty was carried out by the President on July 12th, shortly after the Drug Bill had been diligently reviewed and debated by the National Legislature over several months.

The primary objective of this new law is to exercise authority over, restrict, manage, curtail, or eliminate the illicit import and export of narcotic substances, as well as the widespread misuse, abuse, and proliferation of such substances within the Republic’s jurisdiction.

Notably, the legislation includes provisions for penalties associated with specific violations, such as the unauthorized and unlicensed importation of controlled drugs or substances into the country. For instance, the law explicitly defines an offense where an individual intentionally or knowingly imports controlled drugs or substances into Liberia without the requisite license from the Minister.

Furthermore, it delineates the seriousness of this offense, categorizing it as a first-degree felony, subject to imprisonment for a maximum term of ten to twenty years, as per the guidelines established in sections 50.5 and 50.6 of the Penal Code 1.

Crucially, the law emphasizes that such an offense is considered grave and non-bailable. Additionally, the Act specifies that when the offense involves drugs or substances listed in Schedules II, III, and IV of the Law and is linked to trafficking purposes, the offender is liable for a second-degree felony and may face imprisonment for a period ranging from five to ten years, in accordance with sections 50.5 and 50.6 of the Penal Law of Liberia.

Regarding bail matters, the Act stipulates that only cash equivalent to the bond’s value or a cash deposit in a bank, substantiated by a bank certificate, may be accepted.

The legislation also addresses the unlicensed manufacture of controlled drugs or substances, identifying it as an offense when an individual engages in the production or preparation of any drugs or substances listed in Schedules I, II, III, IV, or precursor or essential chemicals listed in Table I and Table II of the Act without proper licensing. Such an offender, according to the law, may be charged with a first-degree felony or, if utilized differently, a second-degree felony, carrying potential imprisonment terms of ten to twenty years, or as prescribed in Section 50.5 and 50.6 of the Penal Law of Liberia.

The passage and subsequent enactment of this law underscore President Weah’s steadfast commitment to combat illegal drug trade and substance abuse, addressing a menace that has long afflicted Liberian society and robbed countless young Liberians of a brighter future.