Monrovia, Liberia – One of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s agents, Emmanuel Payne, had been murdered by an angry crowd Tuesday night in Caldwell while trying to apprehend a suspected drug trafficker.
Authorities claim that while off duty, Officer Payne stopped a man near a known drug center who was carrying an unidentified black plastic bag. The suspect, who was later identified as Franklin B. Feawoe, also known as “Black Bottle,” allegedly resisted arrest and then incited an angry crowd to attack the officer.
While visiting a Liberia Immigration Service colleague, Payne, who was assigned to the LDEA’s New Kru Town office, saw Feawoe making his way to the ghetto. Even though Payne was not in uniform and had fired two warning shots, the crowd overwhelmed him, allegedly accused him of stealing a motorbike, and brutally attacked him. When he arrived at John F. Kennedy Medical Center, he was declared dead.
The LDEA has promised justice, calling the crime shameful and unacceptable. It is reported that many Caldwell ghettos have been raided and set on fire in coordinated operations with the Liberia National Police and other security forces, and several individuals have been taken into custody.
Feawoe, a notorious drug kingpin, is still on the loose. Considering his danger, the LDEA is cautioning the public to phone 0777-133-333 if they have any information concerning his location, and noted that, it is forbidden for citizens to approach him.
In a statement, the organization said, “Our hearts are heavy. He will always be recognized for his bravery, integrity, and selflessness.” Colleagues remember Officer Payne as a fearless and dedicated law enforcement officer who risked his life each day to combat the growing drug problem in Liberia.
