Bucky Raw’s Arrest Is Selective Justice

MONROVIA–The arrest of Hipco and Trapco artist Karwoudou Cole, popularly known as Bucky Raw Darlo by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) is described as a play of selective justice by his manager when he voiced  his disappointment with the manner and form in which the musician was arrest.

According to him, his client’s apprehension on drug-related connection is inconsistent, hypocritical, and selective enforcement.

Darlo War, in a statement on social media, expressed disappointment about how the situation involving Bucky Raw has been handled, especially by the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).

“An artist who has worked hard to represent Liberia positively-both at home and abroad has been subjected to public humiliation, he said.”

Darlo described his client Bucky Raw as a shining star within Liberia’s creative space, whose growth, influence, and contribution to culture are undeniable.

He futher lamented: “Yet time and again, artists and young leaders are dragged into public embarrassment, while cases involving far more serious allegations including drug trafficking, abuse, and violence remain unresolved, ignored, or quietly brushed aside.”

“This situation reflects a painful truth many Liberians already feel: justice is not applied equally. Some individuals are shielded, celebrated, and protected despite grave accusations, while others are publicly paraded, embarrassed, and judged over minimal or unproven claims. Let it be clear; this is not about avoiding the law. This is about inconsistency, hypocrisy, and selective enforcement.”

Speaking further, the musician’s manager added, “We have witnessed cases involving large quantities of drugs produce no real outcomes. Families seeking justice have been left unheard. Suspensions have been used as smokescreens rather than accountability. Yet today, an artist is treated like a criminal spectacle-not because of a conviction, but because of perception, politics, and convenience.”

Darlo acknowledged that the matter involving Bucky Raw remains before the court adding, “There has been no judgment or conviction. Buck is in good health, staying strong, and appreciates every prayer and word of encouragement from his supporters.

He urged Liberians to remain calm and strong during this time.”

However, some Liberians reacted sharply to his statement, saying law is the law and there is no selective sympathy.

On of the posters noted, “Today, a few Liberians, mainly those who seem eager to promote disorder, are advocating for a man who was not only deported from the United States due to his immigration status, but was also involved in drug dealing while living there. While the quantity of drugs found on him may be considered small or “recreational” by some, we must not ignore the fact that these substances are illegal in Liberia, regardless of quantity or intent.

They added, “Others are attempting to justify the drugs by claiming he needed them to perform, completely overlooking that their possession remains illegal. Some even argue that musicians in neighboring countries use similar illegal substances. Liberians must remember that customary practices, or what happens elsewhere, do not make an act legal in Liberia.”

They further argued, “We cannot pick and choose when to be advocates or when to uphold the law simply because it benefits us or someone we support. If there is a genuine need to decriminalize certain commonly used drugs in Liberia, that conversation should be taken to the people through proper legal and democratic processes; not handled selectively or emotionally.”

For his part, Reuben Chea another poster noted, “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we need to understand the words “Forbidden” and “Unlawful.”

“Before criticizing the LDEA on the issue of arresting one in possession of “drugs”, it is good to firstly determine whether “drugs” was/is not found with the person arrested. “Quantity” is not the issue to debate here. Will the logic hold, that “raping” a minor should not be a criminal offense due to limited age range, and that only “raping” an adult should be considered a criminal offense because of higher age range?

He further, “Let’s understand the words “Forbidden” and “Unlawful.” Illicit drugs are not “food,” and cannot, or should not, be used to cure hunger, and not for fashion to foster “bluff.”

Another poster noted, “Don’t mind these people. Representative Musa Bility son was caught with drugs and Bility never interfered with the law; he allows his son to go through the process. His Son was found guilty and sentenced.

“As a Representative, Bility had the power to get his son out of jail. Not everyone happy with what happened, but Bucky should have talk with those Agents in a polite manner but instead, he decided to insult them on live. This whole thing could had been settled right in that house if Bucky was polite. Those guys are doing their job and if you want to belittle them, they will not let it go. I pray that things get better for him soon.”

Recently, Liberian Rapper Karwoudou Cole, popularly known as Bucky Raw was taken to court by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on charges of illegal possession of narcotics.

Bucky Raw was arrested early Friday morning following a raid at his Duport Road residence, during which officers allegedly seized 31.6 grams of marijuana.

Bucky Raw and several other individuals were taken to LDEA headquarters, where they were investigated.

The LDEA also dismissed social media reports claiming that Bucky Raw and his associates had been released on bail, stressing that under Liberia’s drug laws, drug-related offenses are non-bailable.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.