By Moses J. Dawoe
/Maryland
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights Commission (INCHR) is calling for justice following the controversial seizure of 24.3 grams of gold by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) during a recent drug raid in Barrobo District.
The operation, carried out on March 22, 2025, was executed under a search and seizure warrant issued by the Karloken Magisterial Court.
It targeted individuals allegedly involved in the sale of illegal drugs, including marijuana and cocaine.
However, Human Rights monitor Boniface Nyema, said the LDEA went beyond the scope of the warrant.
According to him, the agency confiscated a significant quantity of gold from a local businessman during the raid at the Barrobo Chinese Camp; a move now under scrutiny.
Mr. Nyema said he received a formal complaint from a victim who claimed that 24.3 grams of gold and L$35,000 were taken by the LDEA.
Yet, only 4.4 grams of gold were officially documented and returned by the Karloken Magisterial Court through the County Attorney, raising concerns of misconduct.
“The seizure has affected several residents, and there are serious contradictions regarding the actual amount of gold taken versus what was reported,” Mr. Nyema stated.
Moreover, the Independent Human Rights Commission alleged that L$80,000 was transferred via mobile money to LDEA Commander Sgt. Moses Birr for the release of the gold, but the victim is yet to receive it.
In response, on April 7, 2025, LDEA Commander Sgt. Moses Birr confirmed the search was legally sanctioned but acknowledged discrepancies.
He said the agency arrested suspects and seized drugs along with 10.8 grams of gold but only 4.4 grams were returned to the individual in question.
Sgt. Moses Birr confirmed receiving the sum of L$80,000 from the victim as a part done for justice.
Maryland County Attorney Philip G. Whiegar has weighed in, calling the seizure of the gold illegal.
He emphasized that the warrant only covered narcotics and not personal property such as gold.
Atty. Whiegar said he confronted court officials in Karloken, urging them to return the gold to its rightful owner.
“Atty. Whiegar claims that 4.4 grams were handed over to me by the court and later returned to the victim,” he said. “If 10.8 grams were truly seized, then the remaining gold must be accounted for.”
The INCHR is now pushing for a full investigation into the incident, demanding transparency from both the LDEA and the Judiciary.
INCHR Shows Interest In Gold Seizure Case In Maryland
