By Archie Boan
Documents and Audio Recordings obtained by Verity News have raised questions about the handling of US $150,000 reportedly seized during a high-profile drug arrest at the Bo-Waterside border in Grand Cape Mount Co.
The controversy stems from the arrest of Bubakar Jalloh, an 18-year-old Guinean national apprehended on February 19, 2026, at the Bo-Waterside border crossing. Authorities say they discovered 519 packs and 19 strips of Tapentadol/Tramadol concealed in a Toyota minibus bearing registration number BA-6936.
According to the initial situation report, officers also found a black bag containing US$150,000 placed on the front seat of the vehicle.
However, internal recordings and testimonies reviewed by Verity Newspaper suggest discrepancies in the chain of custody for the seized cash.
The arresting officer reportedly stated that both the narcotics and the money were turned over to LDEA Operations Chief Moses Jallah shortly after the arrest.
In contrast, Deputy Commander Trokon Jackson is said to have confirmed in a separate account that he received only the narcotics from the arresting team, raising questions about who ultimately took possession of the cash.
The matter is further complicated by allegations that official documentation related to the arrest was altered multiple times. A special assistant within the agency reportedly admitted to revising the situation report on three separate occasions under instructions from senior officials, including Grand Cape Mount County Commander Abdulai F. Kromah.
The reported revisions allegedly involved changes to key details surrounding the arrest and the handling of the evidence.
Additional testimonies reportedly involve officials from the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS). The local LIS commander is said to have confirmed information relating to an alleged US$250,000 connected to the case. Patrick Kormazu, Deputy Director for Operations at LIS, reportedly arrived at the border late at night and received funds from the LDEA Operations Chief and the County Commander, according to accounts reviewed by the newspaper.
An official from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) also reportedly weighed in on the matter, outlining the standard procedures that should accompany such seizures, including proper documentation, inter-agency coordination, and transparent accountability.
When contacted for comment, the LDEA Public Relations Department rejected suggestions of wrongdoing.
G. Olando Demey, speaking on behalf of the agency, said the seized money was properly documented and secured.
“The money that was arrested was turned over to the Director for Operations, and the amount turned over was US$150,000. That money is currently deposited at the Central Bank, and the case is in court,” Demey said.
Despite the assurance, the conflicting accounts and allegations of altered reports have raised concerns about transparency in the handling of evidence in high-profile drug cases. Observers say the issue underscores the need for clear documentation and oversight to maintain public confidence in Liberia’s anti-drug enforcement efforts.
The case involving Jalloh remains before the court as authorities continue their investigation.
