Residents of the Fiamah community in Sinkor, Monrovia, have accused the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) of theft during a recent raid that took place on November 23, 2024. The incident unfolded around 7:45 p.m. when LDEA agents, traveling in a white pickup truck, arrived with the objective of apprehending a suspect known as “Shelving Stick.” Failing to locate the suspect, the agents proceeded to detain three local individuals, identified as Johnson, Samuel, and Buffon. This series of events has spurred widespread allegations of misconduct among community members who claim that the LDEA agents confiscated money, phones, and other valuables during the operation.
Eyewitness accounts provide a disturbing narrative of the events that transpired during the raid. Buffon was reportedly apprehended after LDEA officers ordered him to leave the road; his refusal incited aggressive behavior from the officers, who subsequently beat him in front of onlookers. Multiple witnesses described the situation as chaotic and abusive, with Buffon’s cries for help going unanswered amid the confrontation. The harsh treatment extended to the other detainees, with residents expressing concerns over the LDEA’s handling of the situation and the inherent power dynamics at play.
The raid has fueled a spirit of injustice among the residents, who recounted that the LDEA agents conducted indiscriminate searches among the people present at the market. One eyewitness highlighted that the officers demanded that individuals raise their hands, leading to a thorough search that resulted in the confiscation of belongings without sufficient cause. “The place has only one entry point, so there was no way to escape. They took money, phones, and belongings from everyone who was present,” one local described. This breach of conduct has left residents not only feeling violated but also questioning the legitimacy of the LDEA’s actions in their community.
Samuel’s arrest exemplified the heavy-handed methods employed by the LDEA agents, as he was caught off guard while washing his feet at a nearby hand pump. When officers approached and requested he raise his hands, he hesitated out of fear of losing his money, leading to a violent confrontation, during which his bag containing cash and valuables was seized. This incident, among others, has resulted in a growing sentiment among residents that the LDEA’s methods are aggressive and unjust.
In the aftermath of the raid, emotions ran high, particularly for Buffon’s family, who sought to obtain his release from LDEA custody. His mother and sister confronted officers at the agency’s office, where they received assurances that their loved ones would be released the following morning, along with the return of confiscated belongings. However, the promises of the LDEA have not alleviated the community’s concerns regarding accountability and proper conduct by law enforcement, with many expressing that such treatment would be unacceptable in more developed nations.
Despite efforts to secure clarification from the LDEA, including inquiries to their Public Affairs Department, residents have seen no substantial response or reassurances regarding their grievances. The deafening silence from the agency has only amplified community frustration, with residents appealing to the government to ensure that law enforcement officials are held accountable for their actions. The incident has not only sparked outrage in the local community but also calls for urgent reform in how law enforcement agencies operate in Liberia, emphasizing the need for respect and due process in their dealings with citizens.
