Bucky Raw, Others Arraigned at Paynesville City Court; Supporters Demand His Release

Paynesville, Liberia: Liberian hipco and trapco artist Karwoudou Cole, popularly known as Bucky Raw, along with several others, has been taken to court following his arrest for the alleged illegal possession of narcotics.

Protest Erupts in Paynesville Demanding Immediate Release of Bucky Raw..

Family, friends, and fans of Liberian musical artist Bucky Raw staged a protest at the Paynesville Magisterial Court, demanding his immediate release.

The protest comes after Raw was arrested and his home was reportedly raided by LDEA agents on allegations of narcotics possession. Bucky Raw, who was escorted by a heavy security presence and multiple pickup trucks, appeared at the court in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia this morning.

Meanwhile, family members, fans, and supporters of the popular rapper gathered at the court on Friday, holding placards and chanting “Free Bucky” in solidarity as legal proceedings commenced.

The arrest stems from an early Friday morning raid conducted by officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) at Bucky Raw’s residence along Duport Road. A Facebook Live video circulating widely on social media captures the moment LDEA officers entered the musician’s compound at dawn.

In the footage, Bucky Raw and several individuals present at the residence are heard hurling profanities in both English and Gio (Dahn) as officers attempted to gain access. Those inside initially resisted, accusing the LDEA agents of being intoxicated and acting under false pretenses. Minutes later, officers reportedly forced their way into the compound to conduct a search.

The video further shows Bucky Raw kneeling on the floor while untying black plastic bags allegedly containing large sums of cash, as LDEA officers demanded explanations. Another black plastic bag displayed by the agents appeared to contain a substance believed to be marijuana, although the LDEA has yet to officially confirm the type or quantity of substances seized.

Following the search, Bucky Raw and others found at the residence were taken into custody for questioning and subsequently charged.

Friday’s raid marks the latest development in the controversial public life of the rapper, who was deported from the United States in April 2018 for violations of U.S. law. Since his return to Liberia, Bucky Raw has rebuilt his music career, amassed a strong youth following, and positioned himself as a vocal critic of Liberia’s drug crisis, leading and participating in several anti-drug campaigns and demonstrations across Monrovia.

Authorities say investigations remain ongoing.