Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit

In a recent triumph for wildlife conservation, Liberia’s Special Wildlife Investigative Unit (SWIU) accomplished the successful rescue of a juvenile Lesser Spot-Nosed Monkey in a law enforcement operation near Monrovia. The dedicated SWIU officers took swift action, liberating the young primate that was found tethered with a short chain around its waist. Acting on a valid warrant, the monkey was seized, and the owner was apprehended for the illegal possession of this endangered species.

The Lesser Spot-Nosed Guenon holds a special place in Liberia’s biodiversity, being endemic to the region. Unfortunately, these remarkable creatures face a grave threat from uncontrolled hunting for bushmeat, pushing them to the brink. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Lesser Spot-Nosed Guenon as Near Threatened, underscoring the urgency of protective measures.

Operation Mango, conducted by the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia successfuly rescued 5 live baby Dwarf crocodiles that were being trafficked. One suspect was arrested by the team and the animals were safely recovered and brought to a local wildlife sanctuary for care.

On July 6, 2023, the Liberia Special Wildife Investigation Unit (SWIU) undertook an operation that resulted in the seizure of 7 crocodiles and 2 monkeys. Acting on information that the animals were being collected for sale to zoos, the SWIU executed a search warrant on the home of a high profile District Chairman who had …

Liberia Special Wildlife Unit seized live animals, including endangered crocodiles Read More »

On June 27, 2023, acting on inteiligence from the Liberia Special Wildlife Crime Unit (SWIU), authorities arrested a Ivory Coast national in connection to the large scale pangolin scale investigation known as Operation PEAR. The subject was attempting to flee into Guinea before being arrested. Information suggests that this suspect is responsible for financing and …

Liberia SWIU arrest Ivory Coast national in Operation PEAR investigation Read More »

On June 4, 2023, the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) acted on intelligence that a trafficker in Grand Gedah, Liberia was in possession of a live Black-bellied Pangolin. Upon arriving at the location, the trafficker had fled however the pangolin was recovered and taken to the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary for care and recovery. The …

Recovery of live Black-Bellied Pangolin in Liberia Read More »

On May 31, 2023, the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) acted on intelligence in relation to a large-scale hunter and trafficker involved in the African Grey Parrot trade. in Operation PEACH. Officers from SWIU were deployed to a small village in Grand County, Liberia where the suspect had just completed a period of parrot …

26 live African Grey Parrots seized in Liberia Read More »

Acting on intelligence, officers from the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) undertook a successful operation known as Operation PEAR. This investigation resulted in the seizure of 369 kilos of whte and black pangolin scales from the Grand Gedeh County area in Liberia. The operatives met with a regional buyer of pangolin scales who alleged …

Large seizure of Pangolin scales in Liberia Read More »

On May 2, 2023, only 3 weeks after the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) was formed, the SWIU undertook an investigation of a prominent member of the Monrovia community who was unlawfully in possession of a chimpanzee. During the investigation known as Operation BANANA, the SWIU operatives were able to gain the trust and confirm …

Live chimpanzee rescued, one arrest made in Liberia Read More »