The Liberia National Police (LNP) has intercepted US$400,000 in undeclared cash during a routine security operation at the Tienii Checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County.
According to a police statement, the cash was discovered on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at approximately 1:52 p.m., during a search of a Liberian-registered vehicle with license plate number A53191. The vehicle was driven by Mr. Abu Toure, 58, a resident of Brewerville, Montserrado County.
Police said the money was found concealed in the vehicle during a thorough search by officers assigned at the border checkpoint.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the money had not been declared at the Liberia–Sierra Leone border, as required by law for cross-border movement of large sums of cash.
During initial questioning, Mr. Toure informed investigators that the funds were proceeds from his cocoa business operating between Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone.
Following the discovery, he was immediately taken into custody for further questioning. The matter has since been referred to the Financial Crime Division of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for detailed investigation.
The LNP emphasized that investigations remain ongoing and that no final determination has been made regarding any potential violation of Liberian law.
"The Liberia National Police emphasizes that investigations remain ongoing and no final determination has been made regarding any potential violation of Liberian law," the Police statement said.
The Liberia National Police has commended officers assigned at the Tienii Checkpoint for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
The LNP said the interception underscores the importance of checkpoints and routine searches in preventing financial crimes and safeguarding the country's economy.
The police administration reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant institutions, including the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and other security agencies, to combat financial crimes, money laundering, smuggling and other activities that threaten Liberia’s economic and national security.
Under Liberian financial regulations, any person entering or leaving Liberia with more than US$10,000 in cash or negotiable instruments is required to declare it to customs authorities at the border. Failure to declare such amount can lead to seizure, investigation, and possible prosecution under anti-money laundering laws.
While Mr. Toure claims the money is from legitimate business, investigators will have to verify the source, documentation, and whether all tax and cross-border financial obligations were met.
Financial crime experts say the Tienii interception highlights a growing trend of bulk cash movement across the Mano River Union borders, often linked to trade but sometimes used to evade taxes or launder illicit funds.
As of Tuesday evening, Mr. Toure remained in police custody while his statement and the seized cash are being reviewed by the Financial Crime Division.
The police have not disclosed whether additional arrests are expected, but said the public will be updated as the investigation progresses.
The LNP is urging travelers and businesspeople using border entry points to comply with declaration requirements and cooperate with security officers to avoid similar incidents.