Liberian Businessman Alarms Over Pregnant Wife’s Detention by LDEA Officers

By: Emmanuel Koffa I Grand Kru County Correspondent

Grand Kru County, Liberia –Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – A Liberian  businessman, Shaka Kromah has voiced his fears regarding the health condition of his pregnant wife, Vesta Gaysue, who has reportedly been detained by officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) for over three days without being brought to court.

Vesta Gaysue was reportedly arrested with $4 million Liberian dollars on October 19, 2025, at the Dweken checkpoint as she was returning to River Gee County with a business amounting to 4 million Liberian dollars, but has since been detained by officers of the LDEA in Grand Kru County.

Siaka Kromah stated that both he and his wife have been engaged in the legitimate business of gold brokerage, selling gas, and dry goods including cement, for the past six years, operating with the proper legal documentation in River Gee County.

He alleges that despite having all necessary documents related to their business, LDEA officers demanded that his wife relinquish the substantial funds as a condition for her release.

According to him, Vesta was initially allowed to continue her journey after being searched at the Dweken checkpoint, noted that the search only involved her personal belongings and traveling bags.

“I received a call from my wife in distress,” Kromah said, his voice reflecting both anger and confusion.

“She told me that she was being detained for no reason and that they were demanding she hand over the money.

This is not just an assault on her, but on our business and our livelihood.”

 However, during her trip, she noticed LDEA officers pursuing her, fearing for her safety, she complied when they insisted she accompany them with Barclayville.

Kromah condemned the actions of the LDEA officers, labeling them as unlawful and intimidation tactics aimed at peaceful businesspeople in RiverGee County.

He expressed deep concern for his wife’s wellbeing, particularly due to her pregnancy, as he fears that her extended detention could pose health risks.

Attempts to reach the LDEA Grand Kru Detachment for comments were met with resistance, as Commander Alex Tweh declined to speak to the press about the situation.