MONROVIA — The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on Monday, December 15, 2025, presented Liberian hip-hop artist Karwordou Cole, popularly known as “Bucky Raw,” along with several other suspects before the Paynesville Magisterial Court on allegations of illegal possession of narcotics.
The court action followed an early-morning operation carried out by the LDEA on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the artist’s residence along Duport Road in Paynesville. The operation, which took place around 7:00 a.m., was conducted under a court-approved search and seizure warrant as part of the agency’s ongoing nationwide anti-drug campaign dubbed “Clean Wave.”
According to the LDEA, officers executing the warrant arrested Bucky Raw and other individuals found at the premises and confiscated 31.6 grams of marijuana during the search. The agency disclosed that additional quantities of American-grade cannabis, commonly referred to locally as “loud,” were also recovered. All those arrested were subsequently taken into custody for investigation before being forwarded to court.
LDEA officials said the operation initially encountered resistance when officers attempted to gain entry into the property but access was later secured, leading to the recovery of the suspected narcotics. The agency emphasized that the search was lawful and carried out strictly within the bounds of the warrant issued by the court.
During questioning at the scene, Bucky Raw reportedly admitted that the substances found in his home were for personal use and not for distribution. He told officers that he occasionally used marijuana while recording music and insisted that he was not involved in drug trafficking.
Under Liberia’s drug laws, offenses related to narcotics are classified as non-bailable, a position the LDEA reiterated as it confirmed that the matter has now entered the judicial process. The agency stated that investigations remain ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case and whether additional charges will be filed.
The operation attracted widespread public attention, particularly on social media, where conflicting accounts of the raid quickly circulated. In response, the LDEA urged the public to disregard misinformation and reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the “Clean Wave” campaign aimed at curbing drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country. The agency also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities through its official hotlines.
Following his release, Bucky Raw issued a statement rejecting claims that he is involved in illegal drug activity. He described reports linking him to drug trafficking as false, misleading, and deliberately intended to damage his reputation and disrupt his scheduled concert. He further alleged that LDEA officers removed L$60,000 from a small cross bag during the search, an accusation the agency has not publicly addressed.
In his statement, the artist acknowledged Liberia’s broader struggle with drug abuse and said he has consistently used his platform to promote positive change. He appealed to the public and the media to rely on verified information rather than speculation, stressing that he is not involved in criminal drug activities and should not be judged based on past perceptions rather than his current conduct.
As the case proceeds at the Paynesville Magisterial Court, the LDEA has maintained that it will allow the legal process to take its course while continuing its nationwide crackdown on narcotics-related offenses.
