MONROVIA – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) is mourning the tragic death of one of its officers, Emmanuel Payne, who was brutally killed in the Caldwell community on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Officer Payne, who was assigned to the New Kru Town Detail, met his untimely end while carrying out what authorities described as a routine enforcement action in the fight against illegal drugs.
According to the LDEA, Officer Payne was visiting a colleague from the Liberia Immigration Service in Caldwell when he noticed a man carrying a black plastic bag and heading toward a well-known ghetto. Acting on his training and instincts, he approached the individual and attempted an arrest, suspecting the bag contained illicit substances.
However, what began as a routine stop escalated into a deadly confrontation. The suspect, according to eyewitnesses and LDEA sources, called for reinforcements, prompting a violent mob, reportedly made up of local drug users and community members, to converge on Officer Payne. Despite firing two warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd, the officer was overwhelmed.
The situation grew even more dangerous when Franklin B. Feawoe, alias “Black Bottle,” a known drug kingpin in the area, allegedly ordered the mob to attack Officer Payne. Witnesses say the officer was falsely accused of being a motorbike thief and was chased down, cornered, and beaten mercilessly by the mob. Despite wearing his uniform and identifying himself, he was severely assaulted.
Officer Payne was later rushed to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In a statement, the LDEA condemned the killing in the strongest possible terms, describing it as “heinous and cowardly.” The Agency has vowed to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice for the fallen officer. It confirmed that a manhunt is underway for Feawoe, who remains at large and is considered the primary suspect in orchestrating the attack.
In response to the killing, the LDEA has launched a series of raids in the Caldwell area, burning down ghettos and making several arrests linked to illegal drug activities. Authorities are urging the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of Feawoe. Citizens are strongly advised not to confront him but instead report sightings via the LDEA’s hotline.
The death of Officer Payne has sparked widespread outrage and reignited concerns about the growing influence of drug lords in urban communities and the dangers faced by law enforcement officers on the frontlines.
The LDEA extended its deepest condolences to Officer Payne’s family and colleagues. “His bravery, integrity, and sacrifice in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking will never be forgotten,” the Agency noted.
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