BREAKING: Private Bar Owner Charged in Alleged US$317 Million Drug Case as More Arrests Expected

Monrovia, Liberia:The Liberian government has announced that Leroy Harries, owner of the Private Bar Nightclub in Paynesville, has been formally charged by the Liberia National Police in connection with the alleged US$317 million drug case, marking a significant breakthrough in one of the country's biggest narcotics investigations. Authorities say additional arrests are expected as the probe continues.

Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah said Harries has been charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, illegal possession of unlicensed illicit substances, unlicensed importation of illicit drugs, money laundering, trafficking, trading and sale of narcotics, and economic sabotage. He added that the investigation remains active and more individuals could be brought before the court.

The charges come just one week after the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) disconnected electricity to the Private Bar, alleging power theft. At the time, the corporation said the establishment had been disconnected before for similar violations, stressing that it was not the first time it had taken enforcement action against the business.

The latest development has fueled public speculation over whether the LEC's visit may have indirectly led authorities to uncover the alleged drug operation. However, there is currently no official evidence that the electricity inspection was intended to search for drugs or that it formed part of the ongoing narcotics investigation.

Government officials have not announced any connection between the LEC's enforcement action and the Liberia National Police's drug investigation. Until investigators provide official confirmation, any claim that the electricity inspection was linked to the alleged drug case remains speculative.

Authorities say the investigation is continuing, with reports indicating that more arrests are expected as law enforcement works to identify and prosecute everyone allegedly connected to the US$317 million narcotics case.