The Liberia National Police (LNP) says several arrests have been made regarding alleged rice smuggling and hoarding in various parts of the country on pending charges of economic sabotage, profiteering, cheating, and defrauding the government.Â
In a statement issued Wednesday, 5 October 2022, the police said some rice dealers are in the habit of hiding the commodity to increase price.
The police added that some dealers have been smuggling rice to neighboring countries for higher prices.
The police authorities warned that such action is causing inconveniences to the government, its citizens and residents.
The LNP said it has immediately activated officers across the country to make arrests of perpetrators of said ugly act.
Since the activations of police officers across the nation, the LNP said several arrests have been made in various parts of the country.
“To date, the following individuals/vendors/ business persons were arrested, pending various charges,” the police said.
According to the police narratives, suspect Ahmad Saksouk, a Lebanese Businessman, was arrested in Duport Road Community with 62 bags of 25kg Star rice at a sale price of US$30.
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The police said suspect Skymilay Dorbor was arrested at Gobachop junction selling Pro-Poor rice out of a blue truck marked H0889 at US$20 per 25kg bag.
The police continued that suspect Mamadu Jalloh was arrested at Omega with 27 bags of 25kg Star rice sold at US$30.
“Madam Garmai Roberts was arrested in Paynesville with 14 bags of 25kg Star rice sold at $30 USD,” the police said.
Madan Ma-Bee of Ganta City, Nimba County was arrested with 199 bags of 25kg Star rice sold at US$30 each.
Madam Marvina Doe of New Kru Town was arrested with 160 bags of 25kg Star rice sold at LD$5,500.
Madam Omu Bah of West Point was arrested with 22 bags of 25kg Star rice sold at LD$5,000.
Madam Sata Weasley was arrested in West Point with an unspecified number of bags of 25kg rice sold at US$30.
As a result of tip-off from Commerce Inspectors, the police detailed that joint security forces confiscated two trucks of rice at Loguatuo Border in Nimba County.
The length of each of the trucks is about a 40ft container, with an estimate of over 2,500 bags of 25kg rice contained in both trucks.
Currently, the rice is being guarded by LNP tactical units pending transport to Monrovia by the Ministry of Commerce.
Police Inspector General Col. Patrick Toe Sudue has reiterated calls to all business individuals, vendors and distributors that until the government can change the price of rice, any arbitrary increase in price for profiteering will be considered illegal.
He urged the public to assist the LNP with any information leading to the arrest of individuals in the habit of hiding, increasing the price or smuggling rice to neighboring countries for profiteering.
“Anyone that has any useful information can call the following numbers: 0770800911/ 0770800990/ 0770800111/ 0770800423/ 0 770800109/ 0770800122/ 0770800117,” the police said.
