Following months of investigative work across Grand Gedeh County, the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) and its partners have successfully concluded an investigation into one of the country’s key wildlife trafficking networks. SWIU is dedicated to exposing and gathering intelligence on an intricate network responsible for smuggling illegal wildlife products from Liberia. This operation, carried out in partnership with the Liberia National Police (LNP), Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Customs Service of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) along with other international partners. SWIU investigation resulted in the delivery of a comprehensive Confidential Intelligence Brief to police authorities. The CIB unveiled the trafficking networks’ operations, the main traffickers, their modus operandi, and convergence with other serious crimes. It was based on this comprehensive plan resulted to SWIU obtaing an Interpol Red/Arrest Notice. The Intelligence and Investigation was able to advance and broaden SWIU’s investigation. This collaborative effort culminated recently in the arrest of an allegedly important wildlife trafficker based in Grand Gedeh County, Amadu Bah, as well as the seizure of 178 kilos of both white and black pangolin scales, and the dismantlement of a trafficking network that had been operating in the county for years. The scales were being held in warehouses operated and controlled by the international pangolin scale trafficker Bah. He has been reminded at the Zwedru Correctional Palace waiting for first court appearance. Suspect Bah has been charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Hunting Protected Special, Economic Sabotage, Cruelty to wildlife spices, Illegal killing of wildlife spices (Pangolin), Illegal trafficking of wildlife spices (Pangolin scales), and Illegal possession of wildlife. This latest success is said to be a great example of determination, tenacity, guile, professionalism and dedication of officers of the SWIU. The initial results have led to the conviction of 11 defendants, triggering arrests nationwide. Further arrests and prosecutions are foreseen as ongoing investigations progress. During the 15 minutes of operations rescues and seizures have been made, including: 1.4 tones of pangolin scales, 12 Dwarf crocodiles, 3 slender snouted crocodiles (Critically Endangered – less than 500 anywhere in the world – team rescued 3 breeding females) 26 African Grey parrots, 3 Sooty Mangabey Monkeys, 2 Chimpanzees, 3 Pangolins(All above animals are CITES Appendix 1).
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