Liberia: Magisterial Court Reserves Ruling On Private Bar Reopening Request

What the report says

A magisterial court in Paynesville, Liberia, has reserved ruling on a defense application seeking to reopen Private Sports Bar & Restaurant, which has remained closed during an ongoing drug-trafficking investigation linked to its alleged owner, Leroy Harris. The case is being handled in the context of broader public concern over major narcotics enforcement efforts in Liberia, including a large cocaine-trafficking probe that has drawn national attention.

According to The New Dawn, security authorities arrested and charged Harris in connection with the investigation. Government officials have said he faces a range of allegations, including drug-related offenses and other crimes such as money laundering and criminal conspiracy. After the arrest, joint security personnel closed and barricaded the bar in the Joe Bar area of Paynesville.

The business management has denied that illegal drugs were found on the premises, saying the site was inspected several times without any contraband being discovered. It also said it is cooperating with authorities and questioned whether a proper court order had been presented before the closure. The outlet reported that the bar has appeared in earlier coverage related to another cocaine case, although being associated with an investigation does not establish criminal liability. The court’s pending decision leaves the reopening of the business uncertain for now.