By By: Staff Writer
Paynesville, Liberia –Armed police have besieged every entrance to Private Bar Entertainment Center in Paynesville, less than 24 hours after government named owner George “Leroy” Harris in the ongoing US$317 million cocaine case. Officers remain posted at all four corners of the property, but police have not released details on the operation. The lights are off and the nightlife hotspot that once hosted music, politics and weekend crowds now sits locked down.
The government confirmed yesterday Tuesday that Harris was arrested and charged in one of Liberia’s biggest drug cases yet. Prosecutors allege he faces unlicensed importation, trafficking, distribution, economic sabotage, money laundering and criminal conspiracy. Authorities say he used the bar’s brand and cash flow to mask narcotics movement in and out of Liberia. Information Minister Piah said “no one is above the law,” framing the arrest as proof of a tougher crackdown.
The siege has sparked swift public reaction. Patrons and staff are now asking how deep the network runs. Law enforcement says more arrests are possible as the case moves to court. For Liberia, this trial won’t just be about one bar owner — it will test whether the country can break the link between big business, nightlife and the drug trade.
