-Upon being smuggled in trucks from the Freeport of Monrovia
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The National Port Authority, in collaboration with the Liberia National Police, is currently investigating the suspected smuggling of three trucks carrying 25kg bags of rice from the Free Port of Monrovia.
Initial reports indicated that a 40ft container of rice had been illegally taken from FOUTA Warehouse #7 outside the port. However, during a press conference on Monday, March 11, 2024, it was discovered that three trucks, each approximately 20ft in size, were loaded with the contraband rice.
Fatu G. Jackson, the Chief Investigator of Corporate Security Coordinator/PFSO, revealed that FOUTA Cooperation denied any association with the rice-laden trucks being smuggled out of the port. Despite this denial, investigations revealed that the rice originated from FOUTA Warehouse #7. FOUTA stated that their warehouse was secure and that they would be conducting an inventory to verify the contents.
Jackson: “As part of our investigation, we traced the root of the rice, and the source of the rice was traced back to FOUTA Warehouse #7. But FOUTA said their warehouse was in tight, and was going to conduct an infantry in their warehouse.”
Meanwhile, Malcolm W. Scott, the Director of Public Relations at the NPA stated that on March 6, 2024, the Investigation Section of the National Port Authority (NPA) headed by the Deputy CSC for Intelligence & Investigation under the direction of the Corporate Security Coordinator/ PFSO initiated aninvestigation into the alleged theft involving the illicit departure of three trucks loaded with rice from the Monrovia port.
The incident which occurred through the NPA exit gate (Bravo) at approximately 3:22 AM, saw the suspects apprehended on the Japanese Highway. Subsequently, it led to the establishment of an investigative team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry,summoning personnel from both the main entrance gate (Alpha) and the exit gate (Bravo) considered persons of interest in the matter.
The Director of Public Relations further revealed that, following the initiation of the investigation, George Boakai – Gate Commander, Michael Johnson – Gate Drop Officer, Abraham Z. Tulue – Recording Officer, Robert Teah – Shift Commander, Charles Weah – Deputy Commander, Ezekiel Kollie – Duty Officer, Zwannah Haines – Duty Officer, who were respectively assigned at the Bravo Gate, and Alpha Gate were immediately arrested to undergo a police investigation.
He added that Initial findings revealed that the officers stationed at the Alpha Gate failed to execute their duties adequately, allowing vehicles access to the port area without proper loggingprocedures.
Additionally, Scotts said that it was discovered that duty officer Ziannah Haines and Ezekiel Kollie, stationed at the BRAVO Gate, colluded with shift commander Robert Teah and Deputy Commander Charles Weah, without the knowledge of the Senior duty officer Major Mark Walker, and an individual identified as Douda.
He stated that the collusion facilitated the unauthorized exit of three trucks loaded with rice through the Bravo Gate on the morning of March 6, 2024, at approximately 3:22 AM and the source of the rice was traced back to FOUTA Warehouse #7. An assertion that Fatu G. Jackson, Chief Investigator of Corporate Security Coordinator/ PFSO said FOUTA Cooperation has denied.
Malcolm W. Scott further provided that the vehicles involved with the illegal smuggling bear the license plates: C-41018, HO3612, and C-4342, and are steel plate trucks operated by Foday Kromah (New Georgia resident), Mohammed Kromah (Jacob Town resident), and Karlu Sible (Logan Town resident).
He continued by stating that based on these findings of the investigation, Robert Teah, Charles Weah, Zwannah Haines, and Ezekiel Kollie have been respectively charged with criminal conspiracy and criminal facilitation under Chapter 10.4, under Chapter 10.2, of the criminal procedure law of Liberia
Additionally, he intimated that the officers stationed at the Alpha Gate, George Boakai, Michael Johnson, and Abraham Julue, face charges of negligence of duty for their failure to prevent the unauthorized entry of trucks into the port premises.
He also provided that a collaborative investigation is underway with the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Sea Port Police to further probe this matter.
