The United States Forest Service (USFS) led a four-day joint law enforcement training for the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) staffers.
The training was to strengthen Liberia’s capacity to detect and disrupt illegal logging and transboundary timber trafficking. This project is part of a broader regional endeavor spanning Ghana and Senegal, generously funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
The training, held in Buchanan City from April 23 to 25, brought together senior FDA officials, and customs officers from the LRA. The opening event was graced by representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Madam Gertrude W.K. Nyale, FDA Deputy Managing Director for Commercial and Technical Services, and senior advisors from the embassy.
Madam Nyale thanked the United States government for supporting capacity building in Liberia’s forestry sector.
She noted that governance frameworks established since 2003, have helped protect natural resources and increase national revenue.
She urged customs officers to apply the training at borders and ports of entry to ensure a legal timber trade.
Stephen Kissik, Senior Police Advisor at the U.S. Embassy, and Gabriel Ryan Goanue, INL Program Assistant, attended the opening session.
Mr. Kissik praised the strong turnout, and described the training as part of a longstanding U.S. Government commitment to Liberia’s civilian, security, and justice institutions.
He said the program aims to equip frontline officers, investigators, and regulators with the tools and interagency networks needed to identify and disrupt illegal timber trafficking before it causes widespread environmental and economic harm.
Kissik highlighted specialized tools introduced through the initiative, including an AI-based wood identification application designed to support investigations and strengthen law enforcement.
He emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks and robust chains-of-custody systems.
The USFS Liberia team, represented by Dr. Benedictus Freeman and Sayon Fofana, provided an overview of an AI-based wood identification tool called Xylorix Enforcer, an application developed to enhance timber identification and processing at critical checkpoints.
The FDA team, led by Technical Manager of Commercial Forestry Albert Blanyon, delivered sessions on timber law enforcement and operational procedures.
On the third day, FDA Managing Director Rudolph J. Merab, commended the USFS for organizing the program.
Merab urged participants to take the training seriously, and reiterated the need to protect border posts and entry points from illegal timber trafficking.
He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its continued support of Liberia’s forestry sector.
A demonstration was performed at the Krish Veneer Industries log yard in Grand Bassa County by all participants.