The Grand Kru Detachment of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has dismissed reports that it has arrested a Bong County based businessman with a large cache of ammunition in Dwenken.
The Agency described the reports as “inaccurate and misleading.”
LDEA Deputy Commander, Charles Rennie, clarified that no businessman was arrested, and that the quantity of ammunition agents recovered was far smaller than what some media outlets had reported.
Rennie said, on June 3, 2026, Officer-in-Charge, Richard Katagbwea, assigned at the Dwenken Checkpoint, acted on intelligence and conducted an operation that led to the seizure of 12 rounds of single-barrel ammunition and 42 cartridges, locally known as “Kuch,” from a hideout believed to be used by suspected dealers.
He said, when officers arrived at the location, the primary suspect had abandoned the shots and had fled the scene. As a result, no arrest was made.
“The information circulating about a huge consignment of ammunition and the arrest of a businessman from Bong County is false. “What was recovered were 12 rounds of single-barrel ammunition and 42 cartridges. One suspect evaded arrest.”
Rennie disclosed further that Officer Katagbwea was officially reprimanded for “failing to immediately report the seized items to LDEA Headquarters in Barclayville.”
He said, the communication lapse contributed to widespread rumors and exaggerated reports about the incident. A subsequent joint investigation the Agency conducted in collaboration with the Grand Kru County Police Detachment reportedly confirmed the arrest of the only stated quantity of ammunition, and that no large-scale shipment or consignment was involved.
Rennie denied the seizure of huge quantity of ammunition. The seized items have since been turned over to the Liberia National Police (LNP) in keeping with legal procedures governing firearms and ammunition cases.
He defined LDEA primary mandate as narcotics enforcement, while responsibility for firearms-related matters rests with the police.
The Agency has therefore, urged media institutions and journalists to verify information with relevant authorities before publication or broadcast.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to work with other security institutions to combat crime and maintain public safety.