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 1.4 tonnes 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
Honoring the Impact: The Special Wildlife Investigation Unit’s Legacy in Liberia
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the disbandment of the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia due to a lack of
Operation Pear II: Notorious Pangolin Scale Trafficker Arrested in Liberia
In a major breakthrough for wildlife conservation efforts, the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) has successfully apprehended Amadou Bah, an internationally renowned trafficker of pangolin
JOINT INVESTIGATION Leads to largest Seizure of Pangolin Scales in Liberia
In a coordinated effort, the Special Wildlife Investigations Unit (SWIU), supported by Focused Conservation and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), successfully conducted a joint operation
Joint Operation Leads to Major Seizure of Pangolin Scales in Liberia
a coordinated effort, the Special Wildlife Investigations Unit (SWIU), supported by Focused Conservation and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), successfully conducted a joint operation known
Strengthening Collaborative Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking in Liberia
In a significant stride towards protecting Liberia’s wildlife, Technical Advisor Danny Murphy recently took part in a pivotal 2-day event organized by the Wild Chimpanzee
Operation Pear 2: Disruption of Major Wildlife Trafficker in Liberia
The Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia recently executed a well-planned law enforcement operation dubbed Operation Pear 2. Acting on intelligence, SWIU embarked on
SWIU’s Triumph in Operation RED: Multiple Arrests and Rescued Baby Chimpanzee
In a powerful collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) in Liberia coordinated Operation RED, achieving remarkable success. The
Op Papaya rescues endangered crocs in Liberia
The Special Wildlife Investigative Unit (SWIU) in Monrovia, Liberia, continues to make strides in combatting illegal wildlife trade. In a recent successful operation called Operation
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 suspect
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