By Kruah Thompson
A tragic incident unfolded in Caldwell on July 22, 2025, as Officer Emmanuel Payne of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Company (LDEA) was reportedly mobbed to loss of life by an offended crowd, together with suspected โzogosโ and group members.
In line with a press release from the LDEA, Agent Payne was visiting a colleague from the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) on Caldwellโs Benson Avenue when he noticed a suspicious particular person carrying a black plastic bag towards a recognized ghetto within the space.
Performing on his skilled instincts, Officer Payne tried to intercept the suspect. Nevertheless, the company says a recognized drug kingpin recognized as Franklin B. Feawoe, alias โBlack Bottle,โ allegedly ordered a bunch to assault the officer.
Regardless of being in full uniform and figuring out himself, Officer Payne was reportedly accused of being a โbike rogueโ (thief), chased, and brutally crushed by the mob. In a determined effort to disperse the attackers, he fired two warning pictures, however the crowd grew bigger and extra violent.
Officer Payne was later pronounced useless upon arrival on the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital (JFK) in Monrovia.
The LDEA has strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a โheinous and cowardly actโ in opposition to certainly one of its most devoted officers.
The company states that it’s working carefully with the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) and different safety businesses to convey all perpetrators to justice. Specific consideration is being given to the prime suspect, Franklin B. Feawoe, who’s at present on the run and wished for questioning.
In response to the incident, the LDEA has launched a collection of aggressive raids in Caldwell, burning down a number of ghettos and arresting a number of suspects believed to be linked to the crime.
โWe prolong our deepest condolences to the household, mates, and colleagues of Officer Emmanuel Payne. His bravery, integrity, and sacrifice within the battle in opposition to drug abuse and trafficking won’t ever be forgotten. Might his soul relaxation in excellent peace,โ the LDEA acknowledged.
The company is urging the general public to help with data that might result in the arrest of Franklin B. Feawoe. Residents are suggested to not confront him, however to name the LDEA Hotline at 0777 133 333 with any data or leads.- Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
