Liberia’s Airport Security Chief Arrested for Alleged Attempt to Smuggle Concealed Boxes

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

Management at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) has confirmed the interception of the boxes by officers from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) stationed at the airport.

The intercepted boxes were reportedly being transported in a minibus, with Mr. Freeman escorting them and claiming that the consignment belonged to President George Weah’s Chief of Protocol, Ms. Nora Finda Bundo. However, Ms. Bundo vehemently denied any knowledge of the boxes when contacted by airport management.

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

The Communications Manager at the LRA, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, confirmed that Customs is in possession of the suspicious boxes but categorically denied any knowledge of their connection to drugs. He stated, ““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.”

Continuing, he said: “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.

Reports indicate that diplomatic missions in Liberia have raised concerns about the suspicious boxes and their clandestine transportation from the airport. They have informed airport management, the Liberia Revenue Authority, and joint security agencies of their intention to closely monitor the investigative process and its outcome.

Sources within the airport have disclosed that this incident is not an isolated occurrence. They allege that the Security Manager at the airport has previously removed cargo directly from the tarmac, purportedly on behalf of a high-ranking government official.

This news comes amid increasing concerns about illicit drug use in Liberia, particularly among the country’s youth. Many Liberians, primarily youths below the age of 35, are grappling with substance abuse, commonly referred to as “zogoes.” These addicted youths are scattered across the country and are often involved in criminal activities, such as theft of personal belongings like handbags, cellphones, and wallets. Some even engage in more severe criminal acts, attacking commuters at night with knives, machetes, and other deadly weapons.

Despite the government’s professed commitment to curbing the influx of illicit drugs and rehabilitating these wayward youths, progress has been limited.

The delay in opening the confiscated boxes by the police has raised questions among the public, who are skeptical about the government’s handling of such cases. Although investigators have not revealed the contents of the boxes, this incident is reminiscent of the seizure of US$100 million worth of cocaine concealed in a frozen food container in September of the previous year by joint security forces.

The seizure in 2022 was made possible through a tip-off by the American Embassy in Monrovia, leading to the arrest of suspects who were subsequently acquitted, causing public dissatisfaction. This incident prompted former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Michael McCarthy, to express his disappointment over the acquittal.

Liberia serves as a major transit point for illicit drugs from South America to Europe or the United States. In July, President Weah enacted significant legislation known as the Control Drug and Substance Act, colloquially referred to as the Drug Law. 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 Liberia’s jurisdiction.