By Èmmanuel Tobotinho Quiah
MARYLAND–The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched an investigation into an alleged armed robbery at the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC) and Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) facility in Maryland County that reportedly left three security officers injured and resulted in the theft of more than US$200,000 in cash.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 3:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the CRC-MOPP facility, according to a statement issued by the LNP on Wednesday.
Police said one officer of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and two members of the Plantation Police Department sustained injuries during the incident.
The three injured security personnel are reportedly receiving medical treatment at the plantation clinic.
According to the police, the alleged robbers also made away with a 9mm firearm and approximately US$200,935, LRD 12,375 and CFA 12,320.
The identities of the injured officers have not been officially released by the police, and investigators have not disclosed how the alleged robbers gained access to the facility or escaped.
Following the reported robbery, a heavy security presence was observed around the CRC-MOPP central office on Wednesday.
Security personnel restricted access to the compound, preventing ordinary visitors from entering the facility.
Journalists who visited the scene to gather information were also denied access beyond the security perimeter.
An ambulance was observed at the facility and was reportedly used to transport injured victims to the plantation clinic for medical attention.
The security restrictions prevented journalists from independently examining the reported crime scene.
Reporters who visited the facility also contacted the communications department of CRC and MOPP seeking an official response.
Communications officials reportedly said they were unable to comment on the incident without authorization from the relevant authorities.
Consequently, the companies had not provided an independent account of the robbery, including the reported amount stolen, the condition of the injured personnel or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Questions have emerged over the amount of money allegedly stolen during the incident.
While the LNP officially reported approximately US$200,935, sources familiar with the matter previously claimed that about US$203,000 belonging to CRC and US$235,722 belonging to MOPP were reportedly being kept at the facility.
If accurate, those figures would place the combined U.S. dollar amount at approximately US$438,722.
The sources also alleged that Liberian dollars and CFA francs, along with several company documents, were taken.
However, the police’s official figure remains US$200,935, plus LRD 12,375 and CFA 12,320.
The discrepancy between the figures has not been publicly explained, and the New Republic Newspaper could not independently establish the final amount of money allegedly taken.
Sources familiar with the matter previously told reporters that the money was allegedly withdrawn from a bank to facilitate monthly salary payments for employees of CRC and MOPP.
Because both companies operate from the same central office, the funds were reportedly transported and kept at the facility pending the payroll process.
Neither CRC nor MOPP has publicly confirmed this information.
Sources have identified one of the injured personnel as ERU Sergeant Romeo Payne, ID #3006.
According to the sources, Sergeant Payne reportedly sustained multiple injuries during the confrontation and his 9mm firearm was allegedly taken.
The sources further claimed that an M4 rifle assigned to the officer, bearing serial number ERU 256, was later recovered and placed in the custody of authorities.
Two other security personnel were identified by sources as Orailey Nance and Moses Dennis.
However, the LNP has not officially released the names of the injured officers or confirmed the reported recovery of the M4 rifle.
Police investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify the perpetrators and determine how the alleged robbers gained access to the facility.
The investigation is also expected to examine security arrangements at the compound, access control, the movement and storage of the reported cash and the circumstances surrounding the alleged seizure of the firearm.
Investigators could also examine whether the perpetrators had prior knowledge that a substantial amount of money was reportedly being kept at the facility.
Maryland County Superintendent Nathaniel S. Toe Jr. has called for a swift and comprehensive investigation into the reported robbery.
Superintendent Toe reportedly urged security authorities, particularly the Liberia National Police, to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought before the appropriate legal authorities.
The incident has renewed concerns about security at major commercial facilities in Maryland County, especially businesses that handle large amounts of cash.
Superintendent Toe has reportedly warned that attacks on major businesses could negatively affect investor confidence and discourage potential investors from bringing capital into the county.
Meanwhile the Liberia National Police has appealed to members of the public with credible information about the incident to provide it to the appropriate police authorities.
As of Wednesday, September 2, 2026, police had not publicly announced any arrest or identified a suspect in connection with the reported robbery.
The investigation remains ongoing, as the New Republic Newspaper could not independently verify several details provided by sources, including the higher amount of cash allegedly stolen, the identities of the injured personnel and the reported recovery of an M4 rifle.
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