Liberia Special
Wildlife Investigation Unit
The establishment of the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in May 2023 is a significant step in combating wildlife crime and protecting endangered species in Liberia.
The SWIU’s dedicated and specialized approach to investigating and dismantling wildlife trafficking networks has already yielded positive results in a relatively short period.
The SWIU operates in close collaboration with government partners such as the Liberia National Police, Liberia Forestry Development Authority, Liberia Customs and other relevant agencies. This collaborative effort allows for coordinated actions and a more effective response to wildlife crime within Liberia’s jurisdiction.
Since its establishment, the SWIU has conducted several significant operations that have resulted in the arrest of wildlife traffickers involved in the illegal wildlife trade. These operations have also led to the seizure of various wildlife products, including a live baby chimpanzee, 26 African grey parrots, and nearly 400 kilograms of pangolin scales. Such enforcement actions not only disrupt wildlife trafficking networks but also serve as a deterrent to potential traffickers.
The SWIU’s successful operations highlight the importance of specialized units focused on wildlife crime investigation. By targeting and apprehending wildlife traffickers, the SWIU contributes to the protection of Liberia’s biodiversity and the conservation of endangered species.
Latest News
Successful Rescue Operation: SWIU Safely Retrieves Endangered Lesser Spot-Nosed Monkey in Liberia
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
5 baby Dwarf Crocodiles seized by Liberia SWIU
Operation Mango, conducted by the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia successfuly rescued 5 live baby Dwarf crocodiles that were being trafficked. One
Liberia Special Wildlife Unit seized live animals, including endangered crocodiles
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.
Liberia SWIU arrest Ivory Coast national in Operation PEAR investigation
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
Recovery of live Black-Bellied Pangolin in Liberia
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
26 live African Grey Parrots seized in Liberia
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
Large seizure of Pangolin scales in Liberia
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
Live chimpanzee rescued, one arrest made in Liberia
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