FDA seizes US$20k illegal logs, single barrel guns

Published: March 3, 2025

Monrovia – The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has confiscated a large consignment of illegally traded wood, valued at over $20,000, along with five single-barrel guns. The seizures occurred over the weekend at various checkpoints across Nimba, Bong, and Grand Cape Mount counties.

In a press release, the FDA disclosed that the confiscated wood—comprising blockwood (commonly known as Kpokolo), teak, and round logs—was intercepted from four trucks for allegedly evading government revenue and engaging in illegal trade.

According to the FDA, the seized shipments had not been processed through LiberTrace, its computerized tracking system designed to regulate and monitor forestry activities.

Details of the Seizures

• September 17, 2024: The first truck, carrying 80 pieces of blockwood, was stopped at the FDA’s Sanniquellie checkpoint in Nimba County.
• December 12, 2024: Another truck, carrying 200 pieces of teak, was intercepted at the Ganta checkpoint in Nimba County.
• December 31, 2024: A third truck, transporting 400 pieces of teak, was seized at the Salala checkpoint in Bong County.
• January 17, 2025: A fourth truck, loaded with 26 pieces of blockwood and round logs from Sierra Leone, was intercepted at the Gba checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County.

Following the confiscations, the FDA launched an investigation and discovered that Libfor, a company allegedly involved in the illegal trade, operates a base in Caldwell, Montserrado County, where illicitly harvested wood is stored for export.

Legal Action Against Libfor

On January 22, 2025, the FDA filed a case against Libfor at the Caldwell Magisterial Court for tax evasion and illegal trading of blockwood and round logs. A court assessment at the company’s premises confirmed that its owner, Amara Fofana, had violated the Forestry Development Authority Law by failing to register his transactions in the LiberTrace system.

The FDA stated that the wood was confiscated due to Libfor’s failure to provide proper documentation.

The investigation also revealed that the companies involved had bypassed customs regulations, depriving the government of revenue.

Additionally, the FDA reminded the public that the harvesting and exportation of blockwood are strictly prohibited in Liberia.

• The 600 pieces of teak were linked to Rose Mac.
• The 200 pieces of blockwood were linked to Amengo.

The FDA also revealed that both companies’ operational permits had expired.

The confiscated wood is currently being held at the Forestry Development Authority compound in Whein Town, Paynesville, awaiting further court proceedings.

Arrest of Illegal Hunters and Seizure of Firearms

Separately, on January 28, 2025, the FDA’s Law Enforcement Division arrested several hunters and seized five single-barrel guns, along with farming tools, in the Alpha Logging Concession Area in Lofa County.

The FDA stated that the weapons are now in its custody and will be formally handed over to the Ministry of Justice. Meanwhile, the confiscated farming tools have been turned over to community leaders for investigation.

“The hunters and farmers have been ordered to immediately vacate the concession area,” the FDA declared.