A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in Kakata, Margibi County.
The arrest of the suspect followed a joint operation by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and the Liberia National Police (LNP) over the alleged possession of a firearm.
The teenager, identified as Mohammed Yekesi, was reportedly taken into custody during a security operation in the city.
According to information surrounding the operation, officers later proceeded to the teenager’s residence, where they conducted a search.
During the search, authorities allegedly recovered a pistol, or firearm inside a hidden basket.
The discovery has prompted further investigation as security authorities seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the firearm, including its ownership, origin, and how it came to be at the home of the suspect and family.
Suspect Yekesi remains in police custody in Kakata while investigators continue questioning, and gathering information related to the case.
The arrest highlights ongoing concerns among law-enforcement authorities over the presence, and circulation of firearms outside lawful control. Security agencies have continued operations to identify, and address activities of potential threats to public safety.
Investigators are yet to establish whether the arm was legally registered, and whether other individuals could be connected.
The LDEA, and LNP have not, based on the information available, announced the conclusion of the investigation, or provided details about possible additional arrests up to press time late last night.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation before determining the next legal steps.
