IPNEWS: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), through its Anti-Smuggling Unit and Intelligence Unit (ASIU) has officially turned over 1,500 confiscated single barrel rounds to the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LNCSA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The ammunition was smuggled into the country on February 16 via the Bololewee Sub-Port in Yekepa, Nimba County, and was intercepted by Customs Anti-Smuggling Officers with intelligence support from joint security operatives.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Acting Assistant Customs Commissioner for Compliance and Enforcement, Abraham Siafa, disclosed that two suspects, identified as Musa Sidibe and a truck conductor, were apprehended in connection with the smuggling attempt.
The suspects were traveling in a six-tire truck that initially entered Liberia through the Customs Sub-Port in Yekepa. Both individuals have since been turned over to the Liberia National Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Commissioner Siafa emphasized that the seizure and subsequent turnover of dangerous and illicit substances align with the LRA’s mandate and its ongoing collaboration with joint security agencies to protect Liberia and Liberians. He highlighted that such collabirative actions reinforce inter-agency partnerships and enhance national security.
Part 9, Section 9.1 of the Liberia Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015 which strictly prohibits the importation and exportation of arms and ammunition without a valid permit. The confiscation also aligns with the provisions of the Adopted Modernized Customs Code of 2018.
Receiving the seized ammunition on behalf of the National Commission on Small Arms, Commissioner Vivian Dogbe commended the LRA for its unwavering commitment to inter-agency cooperation. She noted that this successful interception is a significant contribution to the government’s broader efforts to regulate and control firearms.
Commissioner Dogbe further stated that the seized ammunition will be appropriately destroyed in line with national security protocols.
Also speaking at the event, Peter Foloboi, Chief of Small Arms Control at the Liberia National Police, acknowledged the LRA’s continuous support in joint security operations. He assured that the suspects will be accorded due process and charged in accordance with the laws of Liberia.
The LRA remains committed to safeguarding Liberia’s borders and working closely with security agencies to combat illicit trade and smuggling activities that threaten national security.
