By Emmanuel Koffa
Police in Grand Kru County are investigating the drowning of Julius Toe, 35, a resident of Filorken.
Toe, according to sources, drowned while reportedly working on an illegal mining boat on the Noh River in Wutuken Carta Village.
Police reported that a Community Watch Forum Commander, Kofa informed them about the incident, prompting officers led by West Jeh to visit the scene.
The victim was found unresponsive along the riverbank, and was later pronounced dead by community health worker J. Jlanie Doe.
A 15-man jury examined the body and found no signs of foul play, confirming that Toe accidently drowned.
Police say Toe had joined the mining crew for the first time on Friday, November 5, 2025, when he went missing during work, but was later found dead in the river.
Five individuals connected to the illegal operation were arrested, and transferred to the Barclayville Police Detachment for further investigation.
The mining operation was reportedly running without safety measures, and investigators could not verify a valid Class ‘C’ license for the site.
Based on evidence gathered from the incident scene, police arrested seven individuals, including Thomas Mle, Pascal T. Harris, Claryk P. Williams, John K. Toe, Morris P. Kofa, Bill N. Martu, Sackor Larmine (alleged mining claim owner).
They face charges of manslaughter (section 14.1); economic sabotage (15.80), recklessly endangering Life (14.23), criminal conspiracy (10.4), theft of property (15.51).
The suspects are currently detained pending court trial.
Meanwhile, Toe remains was turned over to his family for burial.