The management of the Liberia Airport Authority has with immediate effect suspended its Director of Security – Mr. Samuel Freeman, after he was linked to the alleged importation of illicit drugs in the country via the Roberts International Airport.

Freeman was placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of an investigation into his alleged role in the smuggling of cargo from the tarmac through an unauthorized gate.

A copy of the personnel action form obtained indicates that Freeman’s action contravenes Section 4 of the Human Resource/RIA Handbook.

On Monday, FrontPageAfrica reported Freeman’s involvement in the removal and escort of several suspicious boxes from the airside. The boxes were placed into a bus which was intercepted by Armed Forces of Liberia stationed at the airport.

On Tuesday, the boxes that were placed in the custody of Customs were unboxed and their contents were said to be morning tea.

However, a few hours later, the Government through the Ministry of Information released a statement, confirming that the boxes contained dangerous drugs.

The Information Ministry’s statement quoted the Justice Ministry as saying that following scientific examination by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, it was established the presence of the illicit drug, which is banned under the rules of United Nations Office of Drugs and Crimes, UNODC.

The Minister of Justice Cllr. Frank Musah Dean Jr. has with immediate effect ordered the Joint Security of Liberia, as well as the LDEA, LNP and the NSA, to expand their investigations on the importation of the illegal drugs with the aim of bringing to justice all those involved.

It says, the public will be duly updated as progress is made on the investigation and in the wider fight against illicit drugs and transnational criminals.

LDEA Launches Manhunt For RIA Drug Traffickers-Vows To Leave NO Stone Untouched

The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency confirmed the testing of herbal plants packaged in natural form at the Roberts International Airport to contain a presence of methamphetamine.

As part of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s initial scientific investigation on samples of these natural plants, the examination results revealed the presence of illicit drug, which is contained under the United Nations table/listing for illegal narcotic drugs.

With immediate effect, the LDEA is initiating a full-scale investigation into the importation and illegal possession of said narcotic drug and will involve all those that may have links directly or indirectly.

The public can be assured that our effort will leave no stone untouched as we endeavor to bring the perpetrator to book.

In so doing, we will keep the public updated as progress is made on the investigation. We therefore called on members of the public to refrain from initiating any act of misinformation and disinformation that has the propensity to prejudice the ongoing investigation.

Signed:____________

Michael Jipply

Chief of Communication &

Public Affairs – LDEA/MoJ/RL.

+231770476174 / +231886235353