By Lincoln G. Peters
Security forces here have launched an investigation into the discovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition at the nation’s largest port-Freeport of Monrovia and a private residence in Brewerville outside Monrovia. Both discoveries are connected to a single source.
The arms and ammunition were first discovered at the port in a shipment consignee to a lady before further discoveries were made at her home in Brewerville following a search and seizure operation.
Security sources have identified the shipper as Ben Baker and the shipment was made from the United States, with Barbara Debra as the consignee.
Security sources say the shipments which are made of mainly assault rifles have been shipped over a one-year period, which means the shipper has been sending the consignment in batches.
Liberia, a fragile country heads to a highly contested poll in October this year, with many fearing violence may erupt. The cache of arms and ammunition amidst reports that the shipper has been sending the arms in batches only heightens such fear.
The discovery followed an arrested of US100 million worth of drugs discovered in a container belonging to TRH Trading Company at the Sonit Liberian Inc. warehouse in Tonpoe Village sometime last year.
The discoveries and the huge cache of arms and ammunition and the US100 million worth of drugs bring into question the company handling the country’s shipment inspections. More details to follow.
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In a joint press conference Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the National Police Headquarters in Monrovia, the Liberia National Police identified those arrested as Ms. Barbara Debra, Ezekiel Tamba and Ms. Melvina M. Kpan.
Police Inspector General Col. Patrick Sudue reveals that the suspects were arrested Thursday, at various locations in Monrovia.
He narrates that Ms. Barbara Debra was arrested at her Old Road residents, a suburb of Monrovia after Police received information and discovered her name and telephone number on the consignment of weapon as recipient.
IG Sudue further reveals that the consignment was brought to Liberia by Mr. Boy Benjamin Baker, who resides in Taxes, United States of America, and works for an American airline.
According to the Police Chief, during a search and seizer warrant prayed for at the suspect’s home in Brewerville, outside Monrovia, the Police discovered additional military ammunitions hidden in the ceiling of the house.
He says while the search operation was ongoing at the residence, Suspect Ezekiel Tamba was found hiding in the ceiling and was arrested. Suspect Tamba is currently in police custody.
“Our intelligence also led us to Barbara Debra, who lives on the Old Road. She is in contact with the guy, who is sending the container to Liberia. We have apprehended her. We have also arrested one Melvina M. Kpan, who is a broker for this company. From our investigation, we gathered information that led us to Brewerville, G4 Community where the suspect’s house is and also arrested Ezekiel Tamba”, IG Sudue says.
He further details that arms confiscated include Cremo 6.5, AR10, and Winchester 1894 model, among others that are currently in Police custody
However, Col. Sudue notes that some of the ammunitions are missing because the Police did not discover the rifles that could match them, while investigations are ongoing. Editing by Jonathan Browne
